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Visualization, Quantification, and Mapping of Immune Cell Populations in the Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: March 25, 2020
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High resolution mapping of the tumor microenvironment using integrated single-cell, spatial and in situ analysis
Amanda Janesick1, Robert Shelansky1, Andrew D Gottscho1
110x Genomics Inc., Pleasanton, CA, 94566, USA.
Nature Communications
|December 19, 2023
Summary
Integrating single-cell and spatial gene expression technologies reveals molecular differences in breast cancer tissues. This approach identifies biomarkers and rare boundary cells, advancing oncology research and diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Cancer Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Single-cell and spatial technologies profile gene expression in clinical samples.
- Current methods include whole transcriptome single-cell, whole transcriptome spatial, or targeted in situ gene expression analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To combine single-cell and spatial technologies for exploring tissue heterogeneity in human breast cancer.
- To identify molecular differences between tumor regions and biomarkers of invasive carcinoma progression.
- To study cell neighborhoods and rare boundary cells at the myoepithelial border.
Main Methods:
- Integration of single-cell, whole transcriptome spatial, and targeted in situ gene expression analyses.
- Application to large, FFPE (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) human breast cancer sections.
- Analysis of tissue heterogeneity, tumor region differences, and cell neighborhoods.
Main Results:
- The integrative approach revealed molecular differences between distinct tumor regions.
- Biomarkers associated with the progression towards invasive carcinoma were identified.
- Rare boundary cells at the myoepithelial border, confining malignant cell spread, were characterized.
Conclusions:
- Individual technologies offer insights into cancer heterogeneity.
- Integrating these technologies provides deeper insights for oncology research.
- This integrated approach advances the development of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
