Uncovering functional divergence and cellular clusters with specific gene signatures in HNSCC clonal spheroids.

ABSTRACT: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibits substantial genetic and functional heterogeneities. We generated clonal spheroids (CS) from HNSCC cell lines and patient tumor cells, uncovering distinct functional differences. Hyperproliferative spheroids (HRPS) showed increased proliferation and tumorigenic potential, whereas hypoproliferative spheroids (HOPS) demonstrated enhanced migration and resistance to cisplatin and radiation. In patient tumor-derived spheroids, spheroid size distribution analysis across various TNM stages indicated that early-stage tumors (T2N0M0) predominantly formed HRPS, while later-stage tumors (T4N2M0) exhibited a higher prevalence of HOPS. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) identified six clusters in the HOPS and four in the HRPS, each defined by u

SUBMITTER: Pandey J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12699914 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature