Integrated single-cell and spatial transcriptomics uncover distinct cellular subtypes involved in neural invasion in pancreatic cancer

Schwann cells locate at the leading edge of NI, can be induced by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling, promote tumor cell migration, and correlate with poor survival. We also identify basal-like and neural-reactive malignant subpopulations with distinct morphologies and heightened NI potential. This landscape depicting tumor-associated nerves highlights critical cancer-immune-neural interactions in situ and enlightens treatment development targeting NI.

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 82403248, L2424217, 92459001
• PU
  Peking University
• CF
  Center for Life Sciences
• SB
  Shenzhen Bay Laboratory

  Awards: S201101004, SZBL2020090501005
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China Stem Cell and Translational Research

  Award: 2023YFF1204700