Intrinsic transcriptional heterogeneity in neuroblastoma guides mechanistic and therapeutic insights

Cell state is controlled by master transcription factors (mTFs) that determine the cellular gene expression program. Cancer cells acquire dysregulated gene expression programs by mutational and non-mutational processes. Intratumoral heterogeneity can result from cells displaying distinct mTF-regulated cell states, which co-exist within the tumor. One archetypal tumor associated with transcriptionally regulated heterogeneity is high-risk neuroblastoma (NB). Patients with NB have poor overall survival despite intensive therapies, and relapsed patients are commonly refractory to treatment. The cellular populations that comprise NB are marked by different cohorts of mTFs and differential sensitivity to conventional therapies. Recent studies have highlighted mechanisms by which NB cells dynamically shift the cell state with treatment, revealing new opportunities to control the cellular response to treatment by manipulating cell-state-defining transcriptional programs. Here, we review recent advances in understanding transcriptionally defined cancer heterogeneity. We offer challenges to the field to encourage translation of basic science into clinical benefit.

Automated summary

Cell state is controlled by master transcription factors that determine gene expression program, and cancer cells acquire dysregulated gene expression programs through mutational and non-mutational processes. Neuroblastoma, a high-risk tumor, is associated with transcriptionally regulated heterogeneity, and different cohorts of master transcription factors contribute to the distinct cellular populations and differential sensitivity to treatment. Recent studies have identified opportunities to control the cellular response to treatment by manipulating transcriptional programs defining cell states.