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McGregor, S. M.

Publications and source records attributed to McGregor, S. M..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Long-read, whole-genome sequencing and chemotherapy response of two patient-derived organoids from a TP53- and KRAS-mutant ovarian carcinoma

Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) have transformed translational cancer research, allowing tractable models that better represent clinical features than traditional immortalized cell lines. Here we describe two PDOs with differential responses to carboplatin derived from sequential ascites fluid collections from a patient with high-grade mullerian carcinoma, that could not be further subclassified on the omental biopsy. Uterine origin was clinically excluded by pelvic imaging/CT scan of the uterus and absence of vaginal bleeding. Successful derivation from independent collections enabled comparison of intra-patient heterogeneity across sequential ascites samples and demonstrates that PDO efficiency rate is at least partly patient-specific or tumor-dependent. We performed long-read whole genome sequencing on the two PDOs, OC104 and OC109, to better characterize the structural variant landscape while also obtaining information on single nucleotide variants and DNA methylation. In addition to confirming single nucleotide variants noted in clinical sequencing (TP53, KRAS, SPOP, PPP2R1A, KMT2D), we identified additional variants in TSC2, NCOR2, and CTNNA2 that are predicted to be likely pathogenic. The spectrum of mutations, particularly the coincident KRAS and TP53, highlighted unexpected overlap with ovarian mucinous carcinoma. We also identified larger insertions and deletions that result in non-synonymous variants in MUC5AC, TPRX1, and BMX, as well as four translocation events, including two that could not have been resolved with short-read sequencing. Differentially methylated promoters between the two PDOs include 201 oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, with HNF1A, MSI2, and SETBP1 having methylation directions consistent with these genes roles in platinum response differences observed between the PDOs. Notably, the clonal nature of PDOs produced from two samples taken one week apart is important for the field to appreciate, particularly since they have clonal differences in platinum response. The temporal differences in clonality may indicate a limitation of low volume sampling, however may provide opportunity to longitudinally predict clinical outcomes. We also demonstrate the ability of long-read sequencing to add detail into the genomics and epigenetics of ovarian cancer.

cancer biology↗

CXCL13-CXCR5 Signaling in CD8⁺ T Cell Recruitment and Lymphoid Immune Organization in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) exhibits heterogeneity in immune infiltration and clinical outcomes, but the mechanisms governing recruitment and organization of tumor-reactive CD8 T cells remain incompletely defined. We investigated the role of the CXCL13-CXCR5 axis in shaping CD8 T cell recruitment, differentiation, and immune organization in high-risk, non-metastatic ccRCC. Human tumor, plasma, and matched adjacent kidney specimens were analyzed using ELISA, quantitative PCR, migration assays, multiplex immunofluorescence, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and a syngeneic mouse model. CXCL13 was among the most upregulated chemokines in ccRCC relative to matched normal kidney and was embedded within a CD8 T cell-associated inflammatory transcriptional program. In transwell and microphysiological system (MPS) assays, CXCL13 promoted CD8 T cell migration, enriched CXCR5 cells among migrating CD8 T cells and showed reduced migration after CXCL13 or CXCR5 blockade. Single-cell analyses identified CXCR5 expression within stem-like CD8 T cell states associated with TCF7 and IL7R, whereas CXCL13 associated with later cytotoxic/exhausted states along a continuous differentiation landscape. Spatial transcriptomics demonstrated that stem-like CD8 T cells localized within structured lymphoid aggregates enriched for B cells, coordinated CXCL13/CXCR5 expression, and signaling programs. In vivo, tumor-derived CXCL13 suppressed tumor growth, increased intratumoral CD8 T cell infiltration, and enriched CXCR5TCF1CD8 stem-like T cells. In human tumors, higher CXCL13 expression correlated with increased CXCR5CD8 T cell infiltration and improved recurrence-free survival. These findings identify CXCL13 as a regulator of immune recruitment and niche organization and support the CXCL13-CXCR5 axis as a biomarker and possible therapeutic target in ccRCC.

cancer biology↗

Fibronectin Composition and Transglutaminase 2 Cross-linking Cooperatively Regulate Ovarian Cancer Cell Adhesion in ECM-Mimetic Constructs

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in tumor progression. Here, we analyzed collagen I and cellular fibronectin (cFN) in normal omentum and metastatic omentum from high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). The levels of both proteins were significantly elevated and collagen I fibers were significantly thicker in HGSOC metastases. Moreover, the ECM cross-linking enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2) was increased in omental metastases, where it is enzymatically active in the extracellular environment. This information was used to develop ECM constructs recapitulating these key changes, alone and in combination, to investigate their impact on HGSOC cell adhesion. To our knowledge, this is the first report using TG2 as a cross-linking agent to generate constructs from multiple ECM components. Low levels of HGSOC cell adhesion were observed on colIagen-only (coll) gels, while inclusion of cFN or plasma fibronection (pFN) increased cell adhesion. TG2-mediated cross-linking of colI/cFN hydrogels promoted HGSOC cell adhesion, while cross-linking of coll/pFN had no effect. Cell adhesion was dependent on ligand identity and fiber diameter. When fiber thickness was held constant, the inclusion of cFN led to greater HGSOC cell adhesion relative to pFN or coll, due to interactions of {beta}1 integrins with the EDA and RGD domains of cFN. Meanwhile, when gel composition was held constant, HGSOC cell adhesion increased as fiber thickness was increased through modifications to gelation temperature. Combined, our results demonstrate how ECM changes associated with omental metastasis can support tumor progression and provide insights into methods to tailor biomaterials to support cell adhesion.

bioengineering↗

Human fallopian tube single-cell analysis reveals monocytic transcriptional and interaction changes in high-grade serous ovarian cancers

Tumorigenesis for most high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) likely initiates from fallopian tube (FT) epithelia. While epithelial subtypes have been characterized using single-cell RNA- sequencing (scRNA-Seq), heterogeneity of other cellular compartments and their involvement in tumor progression are poorly defined. Integrated analysis of human FT scRNA-Seq data and other relevant tissues, including HGSC tumors, revealed greater transcriptional diversity of immune and stromal cells. We identify an unprecedented abundance of monocytes in human FT myeloid cells across two independent donor cohorts. The ratio of macrophages to monocytes are relatively similar between benign FTs, ovaries, and adjacent normal tissues, but is significantly greater in tumor. FT-defined monocyte and macrophage signatures, cell-cell communication, and gene set enrichment analysis identified monocyte- and macrophage-specific ligand-receptor interactions and functional pathways in tumors and adjacent normal tissue. Further reanalysis of tumor scRNA-Seq from HGSC patients suggested different monocyte and macrophage subsets associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment. Taken together, our work provides evidence that an altered FT immune composition could inform early detection markers in HGSCs.

cancer biology↗