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Breast tumour microenvironment structures are associated with genomic features and clinical outcome

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Ali, Hamid 

Abstract

The functions of the tumour microenvironment (TME) are orchestrated by precise spatial organisation of specialised cells, yet little is known about the multicellular structures that form within the TME. Here, we systematically mapped TME structures in situ using imaging mass cytometry and multi-tiered spatial analysis of 693 breast tumours linked to genomic and clinical data. We identified 10 recurrent TME structures that varied by vascular content, stromal quiescence versus activation, and leukocyte composition. These TME structures had distinct enrichment patterns among breast cancer subtypes, and some were associated with genomic profiles indicative of immune escape. Regulatory and dysfunctional T cells co-occurred in large ‘suppressed expansion’ structures. These structures were characterized by high cellular diversity, proliferating cells, and enrichment for BRCA1 and CASP8 mutations, and predicted poor outcome in estrogen-positive (ER)-positive disease. The multicellular structures revealed here link conserved spatial organisation to local TME function and could improve patient stratification.

Description

Funder: Cancer Research UK (CRUK); doi: https://doi.org/10.13039/501100000289


Funder: EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council); doi: https://doi.org/10.13039/100010663

Keywords

Breast Neoplasms, Female, Genome, Genomics, Humans, Tumor Microenvironment

Journal Title

Nature Genetics

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1061-4036
1546-1718

Volume Title

54

Publisher

Nature Research
Sponsorship
Cancer Research UK (C14303/A17197)
Cancer Research UK (25815)
Cancer Research UK (C9545/A29580_do not transfer)
European Research Council (694620)
Cancer Research UK (A27657)
National Institute for Health and Care Research (IS-BRC-1215-20014)
Cancer Research UK (7199)
Cancer Research UK (16942)