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Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Predictive Immune Modeling of Solid Tumors
Published on: February 25, 2020
Integrated single-cell sequencing for the development of a GJA4-based precision immuno-prognostic model in melanoma
Yantao Ding1, Si Xie1, Wenyang Nie2
1Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China.
Methods:
We conducted an analysis of RNA-seq and microarray data obtained from the TCGA and GEO databases, alongside single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from glioma patients within the GEO repository. This comprehensive investigation, augmented by experimental studies, concentrated on exploring the interactions between tumor-associated endothelial cells (TECs) and tumors, as well as elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved.
Results:
Single-cell sequencing analysis identified differentially expressed genes within tumor-associated endothelial cells. Further investigation highlighted GJA4 as a pivotal marker gene for a terminal subpopulation, with its expression linked to poor prognosis. Subsequent experiments were conducted to explore its underlying functional mechanisms.
Conclusions:
GJA4 is highly expressed in melanoma patients, and its differential expression in tumor-associated endothelial cells influences melanoma proliferation and migration. GJA4-based risk models hold potential as predictive and therapeutic targets for personalized melanoma treatment.
