Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis of Stepwise Progression of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Abstract
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) evolves from normal tissues through precancerous conditions, ultimately culminating in primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. To elucidate the heterogeneity of tumor cells and their interactions during this progression, we performed RNASeq analysis on normal and primary tumor samples. This technique allowed us to distinguish the diverse expression profiles of malignant epithelial cells, highlighting shared patterns and abnormal activation pathways during tumorigenesis. We discovered in situ cancer cells in lesions that were not previously detected by pathological examinations, revealing DNA copy number variations of ALG1L and the associated transcriptional regulation that promotes tumor progression. Furthermore, we uncovered the transcriptional dynamics in T cell exhaustion, identifying key transcription factors related to T cell depletion and highlighting new therapeutic targets to enhance anti-tumor immunity. Our analysis of cellular communication has illuminated the complex interactions between immune and cancer cells across the cancer continuum, providing valuable insights into the biological underpinnings of laryngeal cancer and suggesting that various cell lineages contribute to potential carcinogenic pathways. In essence, our study offers insights into the pathobiology of intercellular interactions during the development of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, proposing potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of LSCC