Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals age-related heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer patients.

ABSTRACT: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women, with its progression and prognosis significantly influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Age-related differences in TME composition lead to distinct tumor behaviors: young patients (≤ 40 years) exhibit aggressive tumors, while elderly patients (> 70 years) experience immunosenescence and reduced therapy responses. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis on tumors from 10 breast cancer patients (5 ≤ 40 years, 5 ≥ 70 years), encompassing 33,664 high-quality cells. After cell annotation and batch correction, malignant epithelial cells were identified using inferCNV. We applied pseudotime trajectory analysis, pathway enrichment, and cell-cell communication profiling to investigate age-specific TME dynami

SUBMITTER: Li Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12635151 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature