Spatial single-cell maps reveal ST6GAL1 promoting ovarian cancer metastasis

In this study, spatial and single-cell transcriptome techniques were used to investigate the role of beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1) in promoting peritoneal metastasis in ovarian cancer epithelial cells. We collected single-cell transcriptomic (GSE130000) and spatial transcriptomic datasets (GSE211956) from the Gene Expression Omnibus and RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The Robust Cell Type Decomposition (RCTD) approach was implemented to integrate spatial and single-cell transcriptomic data. In addition, pseudo-time trajectory analysis, cell-cell communication networks, transcription factor activity profiling, spatial interaction mapping, and prognostic significance of gene expression were assessed. A significant enrichment of ST6GAL1 was observed in the epithelial cells of ovarian cancer, particularly in peritoneal metastases, which exhibited elevated metabolic activity compared to primary tumors. The levels of ST6GAL1 were significantly high in peritumoral and adjacent non-tumorous tissues, with increased metabolic activity, while the tumor core demonstrated ST6GAL1-negative epithelial cells. Extensive cell-cell communication and transcription factor networks were unraveled, potentially influencing vascular permeability and intracellular signaling. Clinically, high expression of ST6GAL1 in epithelial cells is associated with diminished progression-free survival, indicating its prognostic potential. In conclusion, ST6GAL1 is likely to significantly impact the progression and metastasis of ovarian cancer.