Although DNA 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is recognized as an important epigenetic mark in cancer, its precise role in lymph node metastasis remains elusive. In this study, we investigated how 5hmC associates with lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. Accompanying with high expression of TET1 and TET2 proteins, large numbers of genes in the metastasis-positive primary tumors exhibit higher 5hmC levels than those in the metastasis-negative primary tumors. In contrast, the TET protein expression and DNA 5hmC decrease significantly within the metastatic lesions in the lymph nodes compared to those in their matched primary tumors. Through genome-wide analysis of 8 sets of primary tumors, we identified 100 high-confidence metastasis-associated 5hmC signatures, and it is found that increased levels of DNA 5hmC and gene expression of MAP7D1 associate with high risk of lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MAP7D1, regulated by TET1, promotes tumor growth and metastasis. In conclusion, the dynamic 5hmC profiles during lymph node metastasis suggest a link between DNA 5hmC and lymph node metastasis. Meanwhile, the role of MAP7D1 in breast cancer progression suggests that the metastasis-associated 5hmC signatures are potential biomarkers to predict the risk for lymph node metastasis, which may serve as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for metastatic breast cancer.
Background: Mounting evidence underscores the significance of cellular diversity within the endocrine system and the intricate interplay between different cell types and tissues, essential for preserving physiological balance and influencing disease trajectories. The pituitary gland, a central player in the endocrine orchestra, exemplifies this complexity with its assortment of hormone-secreting and nonsecreting cells. Summary: The pituitary gland houses several types of cells responsible for hormone production, alongside nonsecretory cells like fibroblasts and endothelial cells, each playing a crucial role in the gland’s function and regulatory mechanisms. Despite the acknowledged importance of these cellular interactions, the detailed mechanisms by which they contribute to pituitary gland physiology and pathology remain largely uncharted. The last decade has seen the emergence of groundbreaking technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing, offering unprecedented insights into cellular heterogeneity and interactions. However, the application of this advanced tool in exploring the pituitary gland’s complexities has been scant. This review provides an overview of this methodology, highlighting its strengths and limitations, and discusses future possibilities for employing it to deepen our understanding of the pituitary gland and its dysfunction in disease states. Key Message: Single-cell RNA sequencing technology offers an unprecedented means to study the heterogeneity and interactions of pituitary cells, though its application has been limited thus far. Further utilization of this tool will help uncover the complex physiological and pathological mechanisms of the pituitary, advancing research and treatment of pituitary diseases.
This study investigates the role of m6A regulators in invasive pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) by defining m6A-related molecular subtypes, constr
S5A. Sequencing information of m6A-seq (CON and ATRA groups);S5B. Sequencing information of m6A-seq (SC and A5-KD groups);S5C. Sequencing information of RIP-seq
Table S1A. Basic clinicopathological information of fibroblast donors;Table S1B. Independent fibroblast lines used in each experiment;Table S1C. Basic clinicalpathological information of PDAC patients in the TMA cohort;Table S1D. Basic clinicopathological information of non-TMA PDAC cases