Work

Integrated single-cell and Mendelian randomization analyses: dissecting underlying causes of varied efficacy in immune neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal carcinoma

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer has a low 5-year survival rate despite treatments. scRNA-seq and MR offer insights into neoadjuvant treatment efficacy for precision medicine. METHODS: Three post-neoadjuvant treatment datasets underwent QC for Seurat analysis. Marker genes identified cell subsets. MR analyzed eQTL data from GWAS cohorts for causal links. Single-cell and MR-derived genes intersected to reveal PLTP in CD4⁺T cells. RESULTS: Single-cell analysis of 16 samples found 40,198 genes and 120,102 cells. CD4⁺T cell numbers differed significantly between groups after therapy. Differentially expressed genes were immune-related. Pseudotime and cell-cell communication varied. PLTP, linked to esophageal cancer, co-expressed with genes involved in cell cycle processes. CONCLUSION: The study highlights CD4⁺T cells' predictive role in therapy efficacy via scRNA-seq and MR. PLTP emerges as a key gene, offering new precision medicine strategies for esophageal cancer.

Source: Discover Oncology

DOI: 10.1007/s12672-025-03751-1

Authors: Jiaxin Li, Sibo Meng, Ying Zhou, Yufeng Cheng

Institutions: Shandong University, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University

Language: English

Topic: Esophageal Cancer Research and Treatment

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,690