Single-cell analysis and functional characterization uncover the stem cell hierarchies and developmental origins of rhabdomyosarcoma Journal Article


Authors: Wei, Y.; Qin, Q.; Yan, C.; Hayes, M. N.; Garcia, S. P.; Xi, H.; Do, D.; Jin, A. H.; Eng, T. C.; McCarthy, K. M.; Adhikari, A.; Onozato, M. L.; Spentzos, D.; Neilsen, G. P.; Iafrate, A. J.; Wexler, L. H.; Pyle, A. D.; Suvà , M. L.; Dela Cruz, F.; Pinello, L.; Langenau, D. M.
Article Title: Single-cell analysis and functional characterization uncover the stem cell hierarchies and developmental origins of rhabdomyosarcoma
Abstract: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a common childhood cancer that shares features with developing skeletal muscle. Yet, the conservation of cellular hierarchy with human muscle development and the identification of molecularly defined tumor-propagating cells has not been reported. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, DNA-barcode cell fate mapping and functional stem cell assays, we uncovered shared tumor cell hierarchies in RMS and human muscle development. We also identified common developmental stages at which tumor cells become arrested. Fusion-negative RMS cells resemble early myogenic cells found in embryonic and fetal development, while fusion-positive RMS cells express a highly specific gene program found in muscle cells transiting from embryonic to fetal development at 7-7.75 weeks of age. Fusion-positive RMS cells also have neural pathway-enriched states, suggesting less-rigid adherence to muscle-lineage hierarchies. Finally, we identified a molecularly defined tumor-propagating subpopulation in fusion-negative RMS that shares remarkable similarity to bi-potent, muscle mesenchyme progenitors that can make both muscle and osteogenic cells. Langenau, Pinello and colleagues identify tumor-propagating stem cells in rhabdomyosarcoma that sustain tumorigenesis through integrated single-cell and functional characterization of patient-derived samples and preclinical models in vivo.
Keywords: classification; self-renewal; expression; growth; pathway; alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma; cancer
Journal Title: Nature Cancer
Volume: 3
Issue: 8
ISSN: 2662-1347
Publisher: Nature Research  
Date Published: 2022-08-01
Start Page: 961
End Page: 975
Language: English
ACCESSION: WOS:000842199400001
DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00414-w
PROVIDER: wos
PUBMED: 35982179
PMCID: PMC10430812
Notes: Article -- Source: Wos
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  1. Leonard H Wexler
    192 Wexler