Temporal evolution of cellular heterogeneity during the progression to advanced, AR-negative prostate cancer [scATAC-seq]
Despite advances in the development of highly effective androgen receptor (AR)-directed therapies for the treatment of men with advanced prostate cancer, acquired resistance ultimately ensues. A significant subset of patients with resistant disease develop AR-null, androgen-indifferent tumors that lose their luminal identify and display neuroendocrine features (neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC)). Utilizing a genetically engineered mouse model, we have characterized the synergy between N-Myc overexpression and RB1 loss-of-function which results in the formation of AR-negative, poorly differentiated tumors with high metastatic potential. Single-cell-based approaches revealed striking changes to the transcriptome and chromatin accessibility during the transition to NEPC. Global DNA methylation and the N-Myc cistrome are redirected following RB1 loss. Altogether, our data provide new insight into the progression to NEPC. Overall design: scATAC-seq in mouse prostate tumors