Applied Math Seminar- Comparative single cell analysis reveals cellular remodeling of tumor bone metastasis

Speaker: Dr. Shenglin Mei (FBRI Cancer Research Center DC of Virginia Tech)

Title: Comparative single cell analysis reveals cellular remodeling of tumor bone metastasis

Date and Time: Friday, March 21st,  2 pm-3pm

Place: Phillips Hall 730

Abstract: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a powerful tool for dissecting cellular heterogeneity and testing specific hypotheses in developmental biology and disease progression. Comparative analysis of scRNA-seq datasets across distinct groups introduces additional statistical challenges, particularly in assessing differences in cell composition and gene expression profiles. Bone metastasis represents a critical driver of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, with tumor progression and metastatic spread governed by complex interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment. We employed single-cell and spatial transcriptomic profiling, alongside comparative scRNA-seq analysis to explore malignant cell diversity, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and cell-cell communication in bone metastases from prostate cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and neuroblastoma. Our comprehensive analysis uncovered a persistently immune-suppressive bone marrow microenvironment in metastatic patients and pinpointed potential therapeutic targets within cellular populations and their intercellular signaling networks.