Single cell spatial transcriptomics track the evolutionary hierarchy and microenvironment remodeling during breast carcinoma invasion.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 42393057.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-026-74954-5.
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Abstract
The progression from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) critically determines patient outcomes, yet its mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Integrating single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and genomics across 28 patients with synchronous DCIS and IBC, we delineate the spatial-molecular hierarchy of this transition. Invasion is primarily driven by clonal expansion of pre-existing DCIS subclones, emphasizing transcriptional reprogramming and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling over acquisition of additional driver alterations. IBC cells exhibit pronounced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metabolic reprogramming. We uncover dynamic TME remodeling at the invasive front, identifying key ligand-receptor interactions (e.g., PPIA-BSG, MDK-LRP1, CXCL12-CXCR4) facilitating basement membrane disruption, angiogenesis and immunosuppression. Deconvolution of basement membrane breach reveals four molecularly defined stages (NMFT1-NMFT4) with progressively worsening patient survival. This study establishes a unified spatial-molecular atlas of DCIS-IBC progression, highlighting clonal expansion, transcriptional plasticity and TME remodeling as key drivers of invasion.