Transcriptional Programs Define Intratumoral Heterogeneity of Ewing Sarcoma at Single-Cell Resolution

Publication date: 11 February 2020Source: Cell Reports, Volume 30, Issue 6Author(s): Marie-Ming Aynaud, Olivier Mirabeau, Nadege Gruel, Sandrine Grossetête, Valentina Boeva, Simon Durand, Didier Surdez, Olivier Saulnier, Sakina Zaïdi, Svetlana Gribkova, Aziz Fouché, Ulykbek Kairov, Virginie Raynal, Franck Tirode, Thomas G.P. Grünewald, Mylene Bohec, Sylvain Baulande, Isabelle Janoueix-Lerosey, Jean-Philippe Vert, Emmanuel BarillotSummaryEWSR1-FLI1, the chimeric oncogene specific for Ewing sarcoma (EwS), induces a cascade of signaling events leading to cell transformation. However, it remains elusive how genetically homogeneous EwS cells can drive the heterogeneity of transcriptional programs. Here, we combine independent component analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data from diverse cell types and model systems with time-resolved mapping of EWSR1-FLI1 binding sites and of open chromatin regions to characterize dynamic cellular processes associated with EWSR1-FLI1 activity. We thus define an exquisitely specific and direct enhancer-driven EWSR1-FLI1 program. In EwS tumors, cell proliferation and strong oxidative phosphorylation metabolism are associated with a well-defined range of EWSR1-FLI1 activity. In contrast, a subpopulation of cells from below and above the intermediary EWSR1-FLI1 activity is characterized by increased hypoxia. Overall, our study reveals sources of intratumoral heterogeneity within EwS tumors.Graphical Abstract

Source: Cell Reports - February 13, 2020 Category: Cytology Source Type: research