Pub Date : 2025-10-11DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104250
Ana Mantrana , María Teresa Sánchez-Montero , Carmen Navarrete-Sirvent , Nerea Herrera-Casanova , Rafael Mena-Osuna , Aurora Rivas-Crespo , Alejandra Díaz-Chacón , Virginia Ávila-Oca , Marta Toledano-Fonseca , María Victoria García-Ortíz , Rafael González-Fernández , María Auxiliadora Gómez-España , Carlos Villar , Francisco Javier Medina-Fernández , Enrique Aranda , Silvia Guil-Luna , Antonio Rodríguez-Ariza
S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) is increasingly recognized as a tumor suppressor, and we have recently reported that its deficiency drives an aggressive and immune-evasive phenotype in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanisms linking GSNOR loss to immune escape remain incompletely understood. In this study, we uncover a previously unrecognized connection between metabolic reprogramming and immune escape in GSNOR-deficient CRC and identify a therapeutic vulnerability that can be exploited to restore immune responsiveness. A comprehensive analysis of 137 clinical CRC samples revealed that GSNOR-deficient tumors exhibit high-grade tumor budding, an established marker of poor prognosis, and reduced CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell infiltration, consistent with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Integrating transcriptomic, immunohistochemical, and single–cell RNA-sequencing data, we demonstrate that GSNOR-deficient tumors undergo a striking metabolic reprogramming toward glycolytic dependence, with elevated lactate production contributing to T-cell exclusion. Based on these findings, we show that pharmacologic glycolysis inhibition with 2-deoxyglucose reverses immune resistance in GSNOR-knockout models, enhancing CD8+ T-cell infiltration and sensitizing tumors to anti–PD-1 therapy both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, this is the first demonstration that metabolic intervention can restore immune sensitivity in GSNOR-deficient CRC. Our results identify GSNOR expression as a predictive biomarker for metabolic-immune combinatorial strategies and support the clinical translation of 2-deoxyglucose plus anti–PD-1 as a precision immunotherapy approach for this high-risk CRC phenotype.
s -亚硝基谷胱甘肽还原酶(GSNOR)越来越被认为是一种肿瘤抑制因子,我们最近报道了它的缺乏导致结直肠癌(CRC)的侵袭性和免疫逃避表型。然而,将GSNOR丢失与免疫逃逸联系起来的机制仍然不完全清楚。在这项研究中,我们揭示了gsnorr缺陷CRC中代谢重编程和免疫逃逸之间先前未被认识到的联系,并确定了一种可用于恢复免疫反应性的治疗脆弱性。对137例临床CRC样本的综合分析显示,gsnorr缺陷肿瘤表现为高级别肿瘤出芽,这是一种预后不良的标志,CD4+和CD8+ t细胞浸润减少,与免疫抑制肿瘤微环境一致。综合转录组学、免疫组织化学和单细胞RNA-seq数据,我们证明了gsnorr缺陷肿瘤经历了惊人的代谢重编程,导致糖酵解依赖,乳酸产量升高导致t细胞排斥。基于这些发现,我们发现2-脱氧葡萄糖(2-DG)的药理学糖酵解抑制逆转了gsnoro - ko模型的免疫抵抗,增强了CD8+ t细胞的浸润,并使肿瘤对抗pd -1治疗增敏。值得注意的是,这是首次证明代谢干预可以恢复gsnorr缺陷CRC的免疫敏感性。我们的研究结果确定GSNOR表达作为代谢-免疫组合策略的预测性生物标志物,并支持2-DG加抗pd -1的临床翻译作为这种高风险CRC表型的精确免疫治疗方法。
{"title":"Glycolysis Inhibition Restores Immune Sensitivity in GSNOR–Deficient Colorectal Cancer","authors":"Ana Mantrana , María Teresa Sánchez-Montero , Carmen Navarrete-Sirvent , Nerea Herrera-Casanova , Rafael Mena-Osuna , Aurora Rivas-Crespo , Alejandra Díaz-Chacón , Virginia Ávila-Oca , Marta Toledano-Fonseca , María Victoria García-Ortíz , Rafael González-Fernández , María Auxiliadora Gómez-España , Carlos Villar , Francisco Javier Medina-Fernández , Enrique Aranda , Silvia Guil-Luna , Antonio Rodríguez-Ariza","doi":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104250","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104250","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) is increasingly recognized as a tumor suppressor, and we have recently reported that its deficiency drives an aggressive and immune-evasive phenotype in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanisms linking GSNOR loss to immune escape remain incompletely understood. In this study, we uncover a previously unrecognized connection between metabolic reprogramming and immune escape in GSNOR-deficient CRC and identify a therapeutic vulnerability that can be exploited to restore immune responsiveness. A comprehensive analysis of 137 clinical CRC samples revealed that GSNOR-deficient tumors exhibit high-grade tumor budding, an established marker of poor prognosis, and reduced CD4<sup>+</sup> and CD8<sup>+</sup> T-cell infiltration, consistent with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Integrating transcriptomic, immunohistochemical, and single–cell RNA-sequencing data, we demonstrate that GSNOR-deficient tumors undergo a striking metabolic reprogramming toward glycolytic dependence, with elevated lactate production contributing to T-cell exclusion. Based on these findings, we show that pharmacologic glycolysis inhibition with 2-deoxyglucose reverses immune resistance in GSNOR-knockout models, enhancing CD8<sup>+</sup> T-cell infiltration and sensitizing tumors to anti–PD-1 therapy both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, this is the first demonstration that metabolic intervention can restore immune sensitivity in GSNOR-deficient CRC. Our results identify GSNOR expression as a predictive biomarker for metabolic-immune combinatorial strategies and support the clinical translation of 2-deoxyglucose plus anti–PD-1 as a precision immunotherapy approach for this high-risk CRC phenotype.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17930,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory Investigation","volume":"105 12","pages":"Article 104250"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145286480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Twenty percent and 45.4% of high-grade ovarian carcinomas (OC) and endometrial carcinomas (EC) exhibit CCNE1 amplification (CCNE1-amp), respectively, which is related to poor prognosis, but could serve as predictive biomarker for response to innovative targeted therapies. However, there is no consensus regarding how to evaluate the CCNE1 status (at the DNA, RNA, and/or protein level). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of CCNE1 status testing in tubo-ovarian neoplasms and EC, comparing their performance for clinical purposes and highlighting the test’s interpretation criteria (CRD420250651291). Among the 734 records initially found on PubMed and Google Scholar, 48 reports were finally included. Molecular analyses and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were reported on 9774 tubo-ovarian neoplasms and 750 EC, and 6966 tubo-ovarian neoplasms and 856 EC, respectively. The most frequently morphological used method to detect CCNE1-amp was fluorescent in situ hybridization (13/16 studies, 81.3%), with quite consensual criteria to defined amplification (ie, CCNE1/chromosome 19 ratio ≥2, and/or >8/≥8 copies of CCNE1 per nucleus, and/or ≥4 CCNE1 copies in ≥40% of cells). The proportion of tubo-ovarian neoplasms with CCNE1 immunohistochemical overexpression varied from 13.5% to 96%, and 14.6% to 86.1% in EC. The sensitivity and specificity of CCNE1 IHC to detect/exclude CCNE1-amp varied from 54.5% to 100% and 59.3% to 90.1%, respectively. Given the reported data, CCNE1 overexpression should be considered either when an H-score is ≥100 or when the staining is >60% with >5% of cells strongly stained. Both CCNE1-amp and CCNE1 overexpressions were associated with poor prognosis and with response to Wee1 and CDK2 inhibitors in high-grade serous OC (overall response rate up to 53%, objective response rate of 32%-40%). In contrast, CCNE1 messenger RNA overexpression had no prognostic value. Thus, both CCNE1-amp detection by fluorescent in situ hybridization and CCNE1 protein levels quantification using IHC represent today the most validated tools to determine the CCNE1 status in OC/EC.
{"title":"Assessing the Status of Cyclin E1 (CCNE1) From Gene to Protein Level in Ovarian and Endometrial Carcinomas: A Systematic Review","authors":"Alexis Trecourt , Catherine Genestie , Alexander Valent , Mojgan Devouassoux-Shisheboran , Etienne Rouleau , Elisa Yaniz-Galende , Audrey Leformal , Valeria Naim , Alexandra Leary","doi":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104249","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104249","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Twenty percent and 45.4% of high-grade ovarian carcinomas (OC) and endometrial carcinomas (EC) exhibit <em>CCNE1</em> amplification (<em>CCNE1</em>-amp), respectively, which is related to poor prognosis, but could serve as predictive biomarker for response to innovative targeted therapies. However, there is no consensus regarding how to evaluate the CCNE1 status (at the DNA, RNA, and/or protein level). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of CCNE1 status testing in tubo-ovarian neoplasms and EC, comparing their performance for clinical purposes and highlighting the test’s interpretation criteria (CRD420250651291). Among the 734 records initially found on PubMed and Google Scholar, 48 reports were finally included. Molecular analyses and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were reported on 9774 tubo-ovarian neoplasms and 750 EC, and 6966 tubo-ovarian neoplasms and 856 EC, respectively. The most frequently morphological used method to detect <em>CCNE1</em>-amp was fluorescent in situ hybridization (13/16 studies, 81.3%), with quite consensual criteria to defined amplification (ie, <em>CCNE1</em>/chromosome 19 ratio ≥2, and/or >8/≥8 copies of <em>CCNE1</em> per nucleus, and/or ≥4 <em>CCNE1</em> copies in ≥40% of cells). The proportion of tubo-ovarian neoplasms with CCNE1 immunohistochemical overexpression varied from 13.5% to 96%, and 14.6% to 86.1% in EC. The sensitivity and specificity of CCNE1 IHC to detect/exclude <em>CCNE1</em>-amp varied from 54.5% to 100% and 59.3% to 90.1%, respectively. Given the reported data, CCNE1 overexpression should be considered either when an H-score is ≥100 or when the staining is >60% with >5% of cells strongly stained. Both <em>CCNE1</em>-amp and CCNE1 overexpressions were associated with poor prognosis and with response to Wee1 and CDK2 inhibitors in high-grade serous OC (overall response rate up to 53%, objective response rate of 32%-40%). In contrast, <em>CCNE1</em> messenger RNA overexpression had no prognostic value. Thus, both <em>CCNE1</em>-amp detection by fluorescent in situ hybridization and CCNE1 protein levels quantification using IHC represent today the most validated tools to determine the CCNE1 status in OC/EC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17930,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory Investigation","volume":"105 12","pages":"Article 104249"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145280579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-09DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104248
Zhihao Huang , Tim Mandelkow , Jonas B. Raedler , Elena Bady , Jan H. Müller , Ronald Simon , Eik Vettorazzi , Guido Sauter , Julia Ebner , Niclas C. Blessin
Although there is rising evidence that immune cell subpopulations that are in direct contact with the tumor cells (intraepithelial) can predict response to immune checkpoint therapy and patients’ outcome, a comprehensive assessment of intraepithelial immune cells and their spatial interplay is lacking. To assess intraepithelial leukocyte densities, immune checkpoint expression, and spatial interactions in 43 carcinoma entities, 4915 tumor samples in a tissue microarray format were analyzed using a deep learning framework and BLEACH&STAIN multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry. This approach enabled single-cell resolution quantification of 21 biomarkers through 7 sequential staining and imaging rounds. Immune and tumor cells were classified into 54 subpopulations. The mean intraepithelial immune cell density of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, CD4+ T-helper cells, FOXP3+ regulatory T cells, CD20+ B cells, M1/M2 macrophages, and CD11c+ dendritic cells varied markedly between tumor entities and individual tumors. For instance, 88(±90) cells/mm2 were found in tubular breast cancer, 661(±729) cells/mm2 in colorectal cancer, and up to 2325(±2131) cells/mm2 in squamous cell cancers from various origins. Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed a “cluster a” of 634 patients from almost all different tumor entities with an exceptionally high density of intraepithelial immune cells that was characterized by a unique interaction profile along with the highest immune checkpoint expression. Across all analyzed tumor entities, the intraepithelial highly inflamed cluster a was significantly linked to low pathologic tumor stage (P < .001). The data from this study provide a comprehensive characterization of intraepithelial immune cells across 43 different human carcinomas and identified an inflamed pan-cancer phenotype characterized by strong interactions of intraepithelial CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, CD4+ T cells, dendritic cells, and M2 macrophages, along with highest levels of TIM3, PD-1, and CTLA-4 expression that is linked to a favorable tumor phenotype.
{"title":"Prevalence, Immune Checkpoint Expression, and Spatial Interplay of Immune Cells Are Linked to Favorable Tumor Phenotype in 4915 Human Carcinomas","authors":"Zhihao Huang , Tim Mandelkow , Jonas B. Raedler , Elena Bady , Jan H. Müller , Ronald Simon , Eik Vettorazzi , Guido Sauter , Julia Ebner , Niclas C. Blessin","doi":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although there is rising evidence that immune cell subpopulations that are in direct contact with the tumor cells (intraepithelial) can predict response to immune checkpoint therapy and patients’ outcome, a comprehensive assessment of intraepithelial immune cells and their spatial interplay is lacking. To assess intraepithelial leukocyte densities, immune checkpoint expression, and spatial interactions in 43 carcinoma entities, 4915 tumor samples in a tissue microarray format were analyzed using a deep learning framework and BLEACH&STAIN multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry. This approach enabled single-cell resolution quantification of 21 biomarkers through 7 sequential staining and imaging rounds. Immune and tumor cells were classified into 54 subpopulations. The mean intraepithelial immune cell density of CD8<sup>+</sup> cytotoxic T cells, CD4<sup>+</sup> T-helper cells, FOXP3<sup>+</sup> regulatory T cells, CD20<sup>+</sup> B cells, M1/M2 macrophages, and CD11c<sup>+</sup> dendritic cells varied markedly between tumor entities and individual tumors. For instance, 88(±90) cells/mm<sup>2</sup> were found in tubular breast cancer, 661(±729) cells/mm<sup>2</sup> in colorectal cancer, and up to 2325(±2131) cells/mm<sup>2</sup> in squamous cell cancers from various origins. Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed a “cluster a” of 634 patients from almost all different tumor entities with an exceptionally high density of intraepithelial immune cells that was characterized by a unique interaction profile along with the highest immune checkpoint expression. Across all analyzed tumor entities, the intraepithelial highly inflamed cluster a was significantly linked to low pathologic tumor stage (<em>P</em> < .001). The data from this study provide a comprehensive characterization of intraepithelial immune cells across 43 different human carcinomas and identified an inflamed pan-cancer phenotype characterized by strong interactions of intraepithelial CD8<sup>+</sup> cytotoxic T cells, CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells, dendritic cells, and M2 macrophages, along with highest levels of TIM3, PD-1, and CTLA-4 expression that is linked to a favorable tumor phenotype.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17930,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory Investigation","volume":"105 12","pages":"Article 104248"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145258496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-02DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104228
Lifei Kang , Jingjing Cao , Wenli Guo , Xiaohui Cui , Yangxuan Wei , Jiayu Zhang , Feiran Liu , Chenyang Duan , Qiang Lin , Ping Lvx , Zhiyu Ni , Jing Zuo , Haitao Shen
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–Dependent Inflammation Upregulates High Mobility Group Box 1 To Induce Tumor Promotion and Anti–Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 Immunotherapy Resistance in Lung Adenocarcinoma” [Laboratory Investigation 105 (2025) 102164]","authors":"Lifei Kang , Jingjing Cao , Wenli Guo , Xiaohui Cui , Yangxuan Wei , Jiayu Zhang , Feiran Liu , Chenyang Duan , Qiang Lin , Ping Lvx , Zhiyu Ni , Jing Zuo , Haitao Shen","doi":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104228","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104228","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17930,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory Investigation","volume":"105 11","pages":"Article 104228"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-24DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104245
Kate Fitzsimmons , Curtis Hughesman , Reka Pataky , Deirdre Weymann , Marie-Frédérique D’Amours , Deepu Alex , Diana N. Ionescu , Barb Melosky , Hannah Carolan , Kelly McNeil , Cheryl Ho , Anna McGuire , Stephen Yip , Julia R. Naso
Single vs multigene molecular testing modalities for lung cancer offer distinct advantages and risks. We examined lung cancer cases with clinically requested ultrarapid EGFR testing to (1) identify clinical features of rapid tested cases and their association with EGFR mutations, (2) evaluate performance of single-gene and multigene panel testing for ultrarapid tested patients, and (3) estimate laboratory costs and clinical outcomes. We include all retrospectively identified lung cancer patients who had ultrarapid Idylla EGFR testing during the study period. Demographic data were retrieved from clinical charts, and cost estimates were obtained from the BC Cancer Genetics and Genomics Laboratory. Of the 109 ultrarapid tests, 94 (86%) were technically successful, yielding a positive or negative result. Of these, 62 tests (66%) identified an EGFR mutation. Patients with negative or failed testing were offered panel sequencing (n = 47, 43%). Ultrarapid testing had a median 1-day turnaround time and 95% sensitivity for EGFR mutation detection relative to panel sequencing. East/Southeast Asian ethnicity and female sex were significantly associated with EGFR mutation positivity in a multivariate logistic regression model (P = .0001 and .029, respectively). The mean molecular testing cost per ultrarapid tested patient, including panel sequencing for cases with negative/failed rapid tests, was $550.53 (SD: $284), slightly less than the $571 cost for panel sequencing. Single-gene testing of patients with urgent clinical need or high probability of mutation may allow a rapid time to treatment at similar testing costs.
{"title":"Ultrarapid EGFR Testing in Non–Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Patients: Findings From a Canadian Clinical Testing Workflow","authors":"Kate Fitzsimmons , Curtis Hughesman , Reka Pataky , Deirdre Weymann , Marie-Frédérique D’Amours , Deepu Alex , Diana N. Ionescu , Barb Melosky , Hannah Carolan , Kelly McNeil , Cheryl Ho , Anna McGuire , Stephen Yip , Julia R. Naso","doi":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Single vs multigene molecular testing modalities for lung cancer offer distinct advantages and risks. We examined lung cancer cases with clinically requested ultrarapid <em>EGFR</em> testing to (1) identify clinical features of rapid tested cases and their association with <em>EGFR</em> mutations, (2) evaluate performance of single-gene and multigene panel testing for ultrarapid tested patients, and (3) estimate laboratory costs and clinical outcomes. We include all retrospectively identified lung cancer patients who had ultrarapid Idylla <em>EGFR</em> testing during the study period. Demographic data were retrieved from clinical charts, and cost estimates were obtained from the BC Cancer Genetics and Genomics Laboratory. Of the 109 ultrarapid tests, 94 (86%) were technically successful, yielding a positive or negative result. Of these, 62 tests (66%) identified an <em>EGFR</em> mutation. Patients with negative or failed testing were offered panel sequencing (n = 47, 43%). Ultrarapid testing had a median 1-day turnaround time and 95% sensitivity for <em>EGFR</em> mutation detection relative to panel sequencing. East/Southeast Asian ethnicity and female sex were significantly associated with <em>EGFR</em> mutation positivity in a multivariate logistic regression model (<em>P</em> = .0001 and .029, respectively). The mean molecular testing cost per ultrarapid tested patient, including panel sequencing for cases with negative/failed rapid tests, was $550.53 (SD: $284), slightly less than the $571 cost for panel sequencing. Single-gene testing of patients with urgent clinical need or high probability of mutation may allow a rapid time to treatment at similar testing costs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17930,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory Investigation","volume":"105 12","pages":"Article 104245"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145176379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-24DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104246
Wei Zhang , Qin Zhou , Jonathan V. Nguyen , Erika Egal , Qian Yang , Michael R. Freeman , Siwen Hu-Lieskovan , Gita Suneja , Anna Coghill , Beatrice S. Knudsen
QuPath, an open-source digital pathology platform, has gained widespread use for image analysis in biomedical research since its release in 2016. However, its reproducibility and reliability compared with commercial software, such as HALO, require further validation, particularly for multiplex immunofluorescence analysis. In this study, we performed a direct comparison of QuPath and HALO using a multiplex immunofluorescence–stained prostate cancer tissue microarray inclusive of 192 unique cores. We evaluated performance across 3 key analytical modules: immune cell phenotyping, tumor infiltration with immune cells, and nearest neighbor analysis. Furthermore, we integrated QuPath with CytoMap, an open-source spatial analysis tool, to perform unsupervised clustering of immune cell infiltration—a feature not available in HALO. Our results demonstrated high concordance between 2 platforms, with correlation coefficients >0.89 for immune cell density, distance, and pattern of cell organization in tumor microenvironment. A neighborhood analysis using CytoMap was further performed and provided a more detailed spatial analysis of immune cell distribution across different prostate cancer grades. A significant increase of CD103+ T-cell infiltration into tumor microenvironment was observed in prostate cancer. In conclusion, our findings validate QuPath as a robust and reproducible alternative to commercial platforms for fluorescence-based digital pathology. By demonstrating QuPath’s capability to perform high-quality quantitative analysis with additional flexibility for integration with external tools, our study underscores its potential for advancing tumor microenvironment research in translational oncology.
{"title":"Comparison of QuPath and HALO Platforms for Analysis of the Tumor Microenvironment in Prostate Cancer","authors":"Wei Zhang , Qin Zhou , Jonathan V. Nguyen , Erika Egal , Qian Yang , Michael R. Freeman , Siwen Hu-Lieskovan , Gita Suneja , Anna Coghill , Beatrice S. Knudsen","doi":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>QuPath, an open-source digital pathology platform, has gained widespread use for image analysis in biomedical research since its release in 2016. However, its reproducibility and reliability compared with commercial software, such as HALO, require further validation, particularly for multiplex immunofluorescence analysis. In this study, we performed a direct comparison of QuPath and HALO using a multiplex immunofluorescence–stained prostate cancer tissue microarray inclusive of 192 unique cores. We evaluated performance across 3 key analytical modules: immune cell phenotyping, tumor infiltration with immune cells, and nearest neighbor analysis. Furthermore, we integrated QuPath with CytoMap, an open-source spatial analysis tool, to perform unsupervised clustering of immune cell infiltration—a feature not available in HALO. Our results demonstrated high concordance between 2 platforms, with correlation coefficients >0.89 for immune cell density, distance, and pattern of cell organization in tumor microenvironment. A neighborhood analysis using CytoMap was further performed and provided a more detailed spatial analysis of immune cell distribution across different prostate cancer grades. A significant increase of CD103+ T-cell infiltration into tumor microenvironment was observed in prostate cancer. In conclusion, our findings validate QuPath as a robust and reproducible alternative to commercial platforms for fluorescence-based digital pathology. By demonstrating QuPath’s capability to perform high-quality quantitative analysis with additional flexibility for integration with external tools, our study underscores its potential for advancing tumor microenvironment research in translational oncology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17930,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory Investigation","volume":"105 12","pages":"Article 104246"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145176351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The tumor microenvironment comprises various cell types, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial contributors to cancer progression and metastasis. CAFs also play an important role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and have been extensively studied in this context. However, the association between CAFs and progression across pathological stages has not yet been reported. To identify these specific CAFs, we used a case-oriented approach for single-cell RNA sequencing. Consequently, we identified 3 CAF clusters classified as myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), which increased in number as the cancer progressed. Pathway analysis revealed that the 3 CAF clusters had distinct properties. These CAFs were named MMP13+, COL11A1+, and SFRP4+ myCAFs based on their characteristic gene expression. We also investigated the distribution of various immune cells within the tumor microenvironment associated with the 3 different CAF clusters. The results revealed the presence of different types of immune cells, including M2 macrophages, regulatory T cells, and interferon gamma+ programmed death-1+ T cells and interferon gamma+ programmed death-1− T cells. Next, we evaluated the presence of these 3 CAF subtypes in surgically resected specimens from patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using RNA in situ hybridization. Analysis of the association between these 3 CAF subtypes and prognosis showed that 2 subtypes (MMP13+ and COL11A1+ myCAFs) were associated with poor prognosis. MMP13+ myCAFs were associated with poorly differentiated infiltration patterns, whereas COL11A1+ myCAFs were associated with lymph node metastasis. These results suggest that future treatments targeting these CAFs and patient stratification based on these CAFs are warranted.
{"title":"MMP13-Expressing and COL11A1-Expressing Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Key Drivers of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression and Prognostic Indicators","authors":"Shu Kato , Yuki Kato , Makoto Kodama , Kouhei Yamamoto , Asuka Furukawa , Yoshihiro Nagase , Rinka Miyashiro , Minako Takagi , Masayoshi Sakano , Hisashi Fujiwara , Kenro Kawada , Yusuke Kinugasa , Kenichi Ohashi","doi":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The tumor microenvironment comprises various cell types, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial contributors to cancer progression and metastasis. CAFs also play an important role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and have been extensively studied in this context. However, the association between CAFs and progression across pathological stages has not yet been reported. To identify these specific CAFs, we used a case-oriented approach for single-cell RNA sequencing. Consequently, we identified 3 CAF clusters classified as myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), which increased in number as the cancer progressed. Pathway analysis revealed that the 3 CAF clusters had distinct properties. These CAFs were named <em>MMP13</em><sup>+</sup>, <em>COL11A1</em><sup>+</sup>, and <em>SFRP4</em><sup>+</sup> myCAFs based on their characteristic gene expression. We also investigated the distribution of various immune cells within the tumor microenvironment associated with the 3 different CAF clusters. The results revealed the presence of different types of immune cells, including M2 macrophages, regulatory T cells, and interferon gamma<sup>+</sup> programmed death-1<sup>+</sup> T cells and interferon gamma<sup>+</sup> programmed death-1<sup>−</sup> T cells. Next, we evaluated the presence of these 3 CAF subtypes in surgically resected specimens from patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using RNA in situ hybridization. Analysis of the association between these 3 CAF subtypes and prognosis showed that 2 subtypes (<em>MMP13</em><sup>+</sup> and <em>COL11A1</em><sup>+</sup> myCAFs) were associated with poor prognosis. <em>MMP13</em><sup>+</sup> myCAFs were associated with poorly differentiated infiltration patterns, whereas <em>COL11A1</em><sup>+</sup> myCAFs were associated with lymph node metastasis. These results suggest that future treatments targeting these CAFs and patient stratification based on these CAFs are warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17930,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory Investigation","volume":"105 12","pages":"Article 104247"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145176288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-22DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104244
Hongyan Qian , Min Tang , Tianqi Wu , Zhouna Sun , Junjie Mao , Juanjuan Cui , Feng Sun , Yunyan Lu , Hua Jin , Aiguo Shen
Cervical cancer (CC) remains a major global health challenge, with radiotherapy resistance (RR) representing a critical impediment to treatment efficacy. This study investigated the underlying mechanisms of replication stress (RS) in RR and identified potential therapeutic targets for CC. A comprehensive bioinformatics workflow was applied to analyze the expression profiles and prognostic significance of RS-related differentially expressed genes (RSRDs) in patients with RR. The prognostic utility of an RS-based risk score model was subsequently evaluated in the context of the tumor microenvironment, somatic mutation landscape, etc. The clinical relevance of the identified hub RSRDs was validated through immunohistochemistry, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and a prognostic nomogram using data from a real-world patient cohort. Functional assays conducted both in vitro and in vivo further confirmed the role of the key RSRD. Thus, enrichment analysis of the 124 common differentially expressed genes showed RS-related biological processes were enriched. The RS risk score model, constructed using 2 hub RSRDs (AXIN1 and C-terminal binding protein 1) identified through Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, showed strong diagnostic and prognostic performance. Enrichment analysis showed the risk score model influenced CC prognosis by tumor microenvironment and mutation, etc. Immunohistochemistry analysis of tissue microarrays explored a significant downregulation of AXIN1 in RR samples. AXIN1 was also an independent prognosis biomarker for CC patients, particularly among patients receiving radiotherapy. Knockdown of AXIN1 significantly inhibited the radiosensitivity in CC cell lines, and in vivo experiments showed AXIN1 knockdown led to increased tumor volume following radiotherapy. Molecular docking analysis illustrated JQ1 may promote AXIN1 expression. This study is the first to identify AXIN1 as a replication stress-associated gene with prognostic value in CC, specifically in the context of radiotherapy. These findings may support personalized treatment strategies and provide a foundation for future investigations into RS-targeted therapies in CC.
{"title":"The Role of Replication Stress-Related Genes in Cervical Cancer Radiotherapy Resistance: A Bioinformatic and Experimental Validation","authors":"Hongyan Qian , Min Tang , Tianqi Wu , Zhouna Sun , Junjie Mao , Juanjuan Cui , Feng Sun , Yunyan Lu , Hua Jin , Aiguo Shen","doi":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cervical cancer (CC) remains a major global health challenge, with radiotherapy resistance (RR) representing a critical impediment to treatment efficacy. This study investigated the underlying mechanisms of replication stress (RS) in RR and identified potential therapeutic targets for CC. A comprehensive bioinformatics workflow was applied to analyze the expression profiles and prognostic significance of RS-related differentially expressed genes (RSRDs) in patients with RR. The prognostic utility of an RS-based risk score model was subsequently evaluated in the context of the tumor microenvironment, somatic mutation landscape, etc. The clinical relevance of the identified hub RSRDs was validated through immunohistochemistry, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and a prognostic nomogram using data from a real-world patient cohort. Functional assays conducted both in vitro and in vivo further confirmed the role of the key RSRD. Thus, enrichment analysis of the 124 common differentially expressed genes showed RS-related biological processes were enriched. The RS risk score model, constructed using 2 hub RSRDs (AXIN1 and C-terminal binding protein 1) identified through Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, showed strong diagnostic and prognostic performance. Enrichment analysis showed the risk score model influenced CC prognosis by tumor microenvironment and mutation, etc. Immunohistochemistry analysis of tissue microarrays explored a significant downregulation of AXIN1 in RR samples. AXIN1 was also an independent prognosis biomarker for CC patients, particularly among patients receiving radiotherapy. Knockdown of AXIN1 significantly inhibited the radiosensitivity in CC cell lines, and in vivo experiments showed AXIN1 knockdown led to increased tumor volume following radiotherapy. Molecular docking analysis illustrated JQ1 may promote AXIN1 expression. This study is the first to identify AXIN1 as a replication stress-associated gene with prognostic value in CC, specifically in the context of radiotherapy. These findings may support personalized treatment strategies and provide a foundation for future investigations into RS-targeted therapies in CC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17930,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory Investigation","volume":"105 12","pages":"Article 104244"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145137939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-22DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104243
Ainiah Rushdiana Raquib , Torsten O. Nielsen
Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive cancer generally affecting adolescents and young adults and is characterized by high rates of recurrence and metastasis. It is primarily driven by the fusion oncoprotein SS18::SSX, the product of a pathognomonic chromosomal translocation t(X;18), which facilitates widespread epigenetic dysregulation through interactions with complexes, such as the BRG1/BRM-associated factor complex and polycomb repressive complexes. Previous attempts to perform mass spectrometry (MS) of the SS18::SSX interactome have been limited by the lack of an antibody to detect the endogenous protein, hence relying on single-cell lines with exogenous tags. We previously used a monoclonal antibody, which specifically detects SS18::SSX containing the canonical fusion junction (seen in 95% of cases) and established its utility in several applications. Using that antibody, MS analysis revealed that the SS18::SSX protein undergoes alternative splicing of exon 8 in SS18. We next performed immunoprecipitation MS of SS18::SSX in 6 immortalized human synovial sarcoma cell lines and identified the canonical polycomb repressive complex member chromobox 4 (CBX4), as a novel interactor of the oncoprotein. Immunohistochemical staining of several epigenetic factors on a human synovial sarcoma tissue microarray showed an association of synovial sarcoma samples with higher CBX4 expression. Last, an analysis of CBX4 expression across 337 samples from 12 sarcoma subtypes, carcinomas, and normal tissue demonstrates higher expression in synovial sarcoma samples compared with other tissue types. These results highlight a crucial approach in identifying important partners of SS18::SSX in synovial sarcoma to establish new biological pathways that contribute to the disease.
{"title":"Chromobox 4 (CBX4) Is a Novel Interactor of SS18::SSX in Synovial Sarcoma","authors":"Ainiah Rushdiana Raquib , Torsten O. Nielsen","doi":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive cancer generally affecting adolescents and young adults and is characterized by high rates of recurrence and metastasis. It is primarily driven by the fusion oncoprotein SS18::SSX, the product of a pathognomonic chromosomal translocation t(X;18), which facilitates widespread epigenetic dysregulation through interactions with complexes, such as the BRG1/BRM-associated factor complex and polycomb repressive complexes. Previous attempts to perform mass spectrometry (MS) of the SS18::SSX interactome have been limited by the lack of an antibody to detect the endogenous protein, hence relying on single-cell lines with exogenous tags. We previously used a monoclonal antibody, which specifically detects SS18::SSX containing the canonical fusion junction (seen in 95% of cases) and established its utility in several applications. Using that antibody, MS analysis revealed that the SS18::SSX protein undergoes alternative splicing of <em>exon 8</em> in SS18. We next performed immunoprecipitation MS of SS18::SSX in 6 immortalized human synovial sarcoma cell lines and identified the canonical polycomb repressive complex member chromobox 4 (CBX4), as a novel interactor of the oncoprotein. Immunohistochemical staining of several epigenetic factors on a human synovial sarcoma tissue microarray showed an association of synovial sarcoma samples with higher CBX4 expression. Last, an analysis of CBX4 expression across 337 samples from 12 sarcoma subtypes, carcinomas, and normal tissue demonstrates higher expression in synovial sarcoma samples compared with other tissue types. These results highlight a crucial approach in identifying important partners of SS18::SSX in synovial sarcoma to establish new biological pathways that contribute to the disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17930,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory Investigation","volume":"105 12","pages":"Article 104243"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145137995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104241
Sandro Bräunig , Carl Dencker , Dang Nghiem Vo , Rong Fan , Alba Lillo Sierras , Jens Enoksson , Anne Hultquist , Hongzhe Li , Stefan Scheding
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent childhood cancer. Bone marrow (BM) fibrosis in ALL has been associated with adverse outcomes; however, little is known about the mechanisms that cause fibrosis in ALL. Therefore, we established a novel and advanced analysis method by combining multicolor immunofluorescence (IF) staining with in situ RNA expression analysis (RNAscope) to investigate the spatial expression of putative fibrotic drivers in ALL BMs. We analyzed standard BM biopsies from pediatric patients with ALL. Sequential 5-color IF staining with CD45, CD271, CD31, CD34, and DAPI was used to identify different BM cell types. Combined RNAscope and IF staining was established for spatial messenger RNA expression analysis of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) and platelet-derived growth factor alpha 1 (PDGFA1), which are known to play major roles in primary myelofibrosis (PMF). PMF and normal BM samples served as controls. As expected, ALL BMs showed high cellularities and prominent populations of blast cells. CD271+ mesenchymal stromal cell density was increased in ALL and was associated with fibrosis in a similar manner as observed for PMF. TGFB1 and PDGFA1 expression was considerably increased in ALL megakaryocytes (MKs) compared with patients with PMF and normal controls. Furthermore, MK TGFB1 and PDGFA1 expression intensities in fibrotic ALL correlated with fibrosis grade. TGFB1 and PDGFA1 were also expressed in leukemic blasts, however, at lower intensities compared with ALL MKs. Taken together, advanced in situ RNA and IF staining not only revealed increased expression of TGFB1 and PDGFA1 in fibrotic pediatric ALL but also identified ALL blasts and MKs as their cellular origin at the single-cell level. These novel data strongly suggest a role of these cytokines as potential fibrosis drivers in ALL. More broadly, our findings demonstrate that combined RNA and surface marker analysis is a powerful tool to provide new and valuable insights into BM pathophysiology.
{"title":"Combined Multicolor Immunofluorescence Staining and Spatial In Situ messenger RNA Expression Analysis Identifies Potential Fibrosis Drivers in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia","authors":"Sandro Bräunig , Carl Dencker , Dang Nghiem Vo , Rong Fan , Alba Lillo Sierras , Jens Enoksson , Anne Hultquist , Hongzhe Li , Stefan Scheding","doi":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104241","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104241","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent childhood cancer. Bone marrow (BM) fibrosis in ALL has been associated with adverse outcomes; however, little is known about the mechanisms that cause fibrosis in ALL. Therefore, we established a novel and advanced analysis method by combining multicolor immunofluorescence (IF) staining with in situ RNA expression analysis (RNAscope) to investigate the spatial expression of putative fibrotic drivers in ALL BMs. We analyzed standard BM biopsies from pediatric patients with ALL. Sequential 5-color IF staining with CD45, CD271, CD31, CD34, and DAPI was used to identify different BM cell types. Combined RNAscope and IF staining was established for spatial messenger RNA expression analysis of transforming growth factor beta 1 (<em>TGFB1</em>) and platelet-derived growth factor alpha 1 (<em>PDGFA1</em>), which are known to play major roles in primary myelofibrosis (PMF). PMF and normal BM samples served as controls. As expected, ALL BMs showed high cellularities and prominent populations of blast cells. CD271<sup>+</sup> mesenchymal stromal cell density was increased in ALL and was associated with fibrosis in a similar manner as observed for PMF. <em>TGFB1</em> and <em>PDGFA1</em> expression was considerably increased in ALL megakaryocytes (MKs) compared with patients with PMF and normal controls. Furthermore, MK <em>TGFB1</em> and <em>PDGFA1</em> expression intensities in fibrotic ALL correlated with fibrosis grade. <em>TGFB1</em> and <em>PDGFA1</em> were also expressed in leukemic blasts, however, at lower intensities compared with ALL MKs. Taken together, advanced in situ RNA and IF staining not only revealed increased expression of <em>TGFB1</em> and <em>PDGFA1</em> in fibrotic pediatric ALL but also identified ALL blasts and MKs as their cellular origin at the single-cell level. These novel data strongly suggest a role of these cytokines as potential fibrosis drivers in ALL. More broadly, our findings demonstrate that combined RNA and surface marker analysis is a powerful tool to provide new and valuable insights into BM pathophysiology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17930,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory Investigation","volume":"105 12","pages":"Article 104241"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145103029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}