Computational cell-cell interaction technologies drive mechanistic and biomarker discovery in the tumor microenvironment

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2023 Dec 23;85:103048. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103048. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTComplex networks of cell-cell interactions (CCIs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a crucial role in cancer persistence. These communication axes represent prime targets for therapeutic intervention, but our incomplete understanding of the cellular heterogeneity and interacting partners within the TME remains a stubborn barrier to complete drug responses. This review outlines recent advances in the study of CCIs that leverage single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies that can clarify TME dynamics. We anticipate that these strategies will promote discovery of CCIs critical to the tumor-immune interface and will, by extension, expand the repertoire of druggable tumor biomarkers.PMID:38142648 | DOI:10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103048
Source: Current Opinion in Biotechnology - Category: Biotechnology Authors: Source Type: research