Single-cell transcriptomics uncover the key ferroptosis regulators contribute to cancer progression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The mechanism underlying the association between the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and ferroptosis is unclear. We analyzed the transcriptomes of 5902 single cells from a single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset. They then aggregate into B cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, germ cells, mesenchymal cells, cancer stem cells, stem cells, T cells and endometrial cells, respectively. Our study shows that multiple pathways are significantly enriched in HNSCC development including extracellular matrix structural components, humoral immune responses, and muscle contraction. Differentially expressed genes analysis in Pseudotime analysis, pathway and biological function indicated that there was a significant correlation in the ferroptosis pathway. Furthermore, higher ferroptosis potential index (FPI) scores were significantly associated with worse overall survival prognosis in HNSCC patients. Pseudo-temporal, survival analyses and immunohistochemistry identified multiple central genes in HNSCC development, including ACSL1, SLC39A14, TFRC, and PRNP genes, and indicated associated ferroptosis. Overall, our study detected ferroptosis-related features is closely correlated with HNSCC prognosis and development, and deserved candidates suitable for immunotherapy treatment strategies determination for HNSCC patients.

Automated summary

This study identified a close correlation between ferroptosis and the prognosis and development of HNSCC, suggesting that the ferroptosis pathway could be a potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.