Single-cell transcriptomic analysis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: Deciphering the role of APP within the tumour microenvironment

J Cell Mol Med. 2024 Mar;28(6):e18186. doi: 10.1111/jcmm.18186.

Abstract

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represents a significant challenge in oncology, primarily due to its resistance to conventional therapies. Understanding the tumour microenvironment (TME) is crucial for developing new treatment strategies. This study focuses on the role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the ccRCC TME, exploring its potential as a prognostic biomarker. Basing TAM-related genes, the prognostic model was important to constructed. Employing advanced single-cell transcriptomic analysis, this research dissects the TME of ccRCC at an unprecedented cellular resolution. By isolating and examining the gene expression profiles of individual cells, particularly focusing on TAMs, the study investigates the expression levels of APP and their association with the clinical outcomes of ccRCC patients. The analysis reveals a significant correlation between the expression of APP in TAMs and patient prognosis in ccRCC. Patients with higher APP expression in TAMs showed differing clinical outcomes compared to those with lower expression. This finding suggests that APP could serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for ccRCC, providing insights into the disease progression and potential therapeutic targets. This study underscores the importance of single-cell transcriptomics in understanding the complex dynamics of the TME in ccRCC. The correlation between APP expression in TAMs and patient prognosis highlights APP as a potential prognostic biomarker. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic implications of APP in ccRCC.

Keywords: amyloid precursor protein (APP); clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); tumour microenvironment (TME); tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs).

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Biomarkers
  • Carcinoma*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / genetics
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Tumor Microenvironment / genetics

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Biomarkers
  • APP protein, human