Spatial transcriptomic mapping of canine osteosarcoma reveals immune microenvironment features linked to survival

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genomics
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common canine bone cancer, mirroring human pediatric OSA.
• Tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment complexity limit therapeutic advances.
• Spatial transcriptomics provides high-resolution insights into tissue architecture and cellular interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the spatial gene expression landscape of canine osteosarcoma (cOSA).
• To identify spatial patterns and cell co-localizations associated with survival outcomes.
• To investigate the tumor microenvironment in cOSA using spatial transcriptomics.

Main Methods:

• 10x Genomics Visium platform used for spatial gene expression profiling of 14 cOSA samples.
• Integration with single-cell RNA sequencing data for cell type deconvolution.
• Analysis of spatially variable genes and conserved transcriptional clusters.

Main Results:

• Identified intra-tumoral subpopulations and distinct spatial clustering patterns.
• Discovered spatial enrichment of immune clearance pathways in long-term survivors.
• Uncovered co-localization of mast cells with osteoclasts and T/NK cells with dendritic cells.

Conclusions:

• Spatial transcriptomics reveals critical immune microenvironment features in cOSA.
• Specific immune cell interactions and pathways correlate with patient survival.
• Findings offer insights into OSA biology and potential therapeutic targets for canine and human patients.