Intra-tumor cellular diversity plays an important role in cancer progression, recurrence, and overall survival of cancer patients. We used scRNA-seq to characterize the cell type and cell state diversity in the tumor ecosystem of OSCC.
Intra-tumor heterogeneity may influence recurrence and prognosis in OSCC. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, cellular diversity in OSCC was investigated. Malignant cells unique to oral tumors with associated submucous fibrosis were identified. Sub-population of malignant cells shared between OSMF and non-OSMF tumors either exhibited partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition or enriched with fetal cell-type signatures. Double negative T cells and intermediate M1-M2 macrophage polarization were also detected. This study provides insight into the cellular diversity in OSCC.