Decoding metabolic reprogramming heterogeneity across bladder cancer stages using single-cell and spatial multi-omics approaches

Reprogramming of metabolic pathways represents a central indicator in cancer pathogenesis, but the metabolic heterogeneity of bladder cancer (BLCA) at different stages is not well understood. This study aims to analyze metabolic reprogramming in BLCA across stages and its impact on patient survival.

Single-cell sequencing data were used to examine metabolic heterogeneity of epithelial cells and cell subpopulation differentiation in BLCA at various clinical stages. Spatial transcriptome data were analyzed for copy number variability and riboflavin metabolism in BLCA epithelial cells. Bulk RNA sequencing data from BLCA patients were used for riboflavin pathway expression analysis and prognostic biomarker identification. The effects of three biomarkers (ENPP1, ACP1, and RFK) on BLCA risk were validated using RT-qPCR, Mendelian randomization and co-localization analysis.

Epithelial cells exhibited significant metabolic heterogeneity during bladder cancer progression. Compared to normal control stage, riboflavin metabolic activity progressively increased with disease stage, as validated by spatial transcriptomics and bulk RNA-seq. High expression of ENPP1, ACP1, and RFK (riboflavin pathway) strongly correlated with poor overall survival. RT-qPCR confirmed their high expression in tumours, increasing with stage. Mendelian randomisation/co-localisation indicated these genes localise to bladder epithelium, and their genetic variation associates negatively with BLCA risk.

Increased riboflavin metabolism is likely to be an important marker of malignant progression in BLCA. The ENPP1, ACP1 and RFK genes in this pathway may serve as valuable prognostic biomarkers for BLCA, with potential implications for early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and guiding personalized treatment strategies.