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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
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A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
Integrative Single-Cell and Bulk Transcriptomic Analysis Defines a Molecular Stratification Strategy Based on
Ziqi Gong1, Fenghao Zhang2, Ke Xiao1
1State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research
|June 10, 2026
Summary
Acral melanoma (AM) exhibits significant intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITMH), impacting genomic, immune, and clinical features. Understanding ITMH aids in stratifying patients and predicting outcomes for this rare cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Immunology
Background:
- Acral melanoma (AM) is a rare, highly malignant melanoma subtype.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) and melanoma cell heterogeneity in AM require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze intra-tumoral melanoma cell heterogeneity (ITMH) in AM.
- To compare molecular characteristics between high-ITMH (ITMHhi) and low-ITMH (ITMHlo) groups.
- To identify subtypes and develop prognostic models for AM.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of 23 AM samples.
- Principal component analysis for ITMH quantification.
- Differential gene expression analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA).
- Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA).
Main Results:
- scRNA-seq revealed significant melanoma cell transcriptional heterogeneity.
- ITMHhi group showed distinct molecular programs, high genome instability, and an inflamed TME.
- ITMHhi and ITMHlo groups were separable in transcriptional space and correlated with clinical characteristics.
- Prognostic risk model developed using hub genes identified via DEG and WGCNA.
Conclusions:
- ITMH is a critical factor in AM, influencing tumor biology and clinical outcomes.
- ITMH-related subtypes and prognostic models can improve patient stratification and treatment strategies.
- This study provides insights into AM heterogeneity, TME, and prognosis.
