Single-cell transcriptional profiling of clear cell renal cell carcinoma reveals a tumor-associated endothelial tip cell phenotype

• DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06478-x
• Publication Date: 2024-06-28T17:16:53Z
• Authors: Justina Zvirblyte; Juozas Nainys; Simonas Juzenas; Karolis Goda; Raimonda Kubiliute; Darius Dasevicius; Marius Kincius; Albertas Ulys; Sonata Jarmalaite; Linas Mazutis
• Keywords: Tumor progression

Clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent form of cancer, accounting for over 75% cases. The asymptomatic nature disease contributes to late-stage diagnoses and poor survival. Highly vascularized immune infiltrated microenvironment are prominent features ccRCC, yet interplay between vasculature cells, progression response therapy remains poorly understood. Using droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing we profile 50,236 transcriptomes from paired tumor healthy adjacent kidney tissues. Our analysis reveals significant heterogeneity inter-patient variability microenvironment. Notably, discover a previously uncharacterized subpopulation associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition. cell-cell communication multiple modes immunosuppressive interactions within microenvironment, including clinically relevant stromal cells cells. upregulation genes involved in these worse survival TCGA KIRC cohort. findings demonstrate role populations shaping ccRCC uncover that an angiogenic phenotype.