Epigenetic heterogeneity and transcriptional drivers of triple-negative breast cancer [RNA-Seq]
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease with limited treatment options. To characterize TNBC heterogeneity and treatment response, we combined functional and molecular profiling with computational analysis tools. Using these approaches, we defined transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic subtypes, and identified subtype-driving super-enhancers. Single cell RNA sequencing analyses revealed relative homogeneity of the three major transcriptional subtypes (luminal, basal and mesenchymal) within tumors. We found that mesenchymal TNBCs are more similar to mesenchymal neuroblastoma and rhabdoid tumors than to other TNBC subtypes, and the PRRX1 transcription factor serves as a key driver of these tumors. By directly regulating the transcription of mesenchymal genes, PRRX1 is sufficient for inducing the mesenchymal subtype but is not required for its maintenance. Overall design: RNA-seq of two TNBC cell lines with and without TET-inducible expression of PRRX1-targeting shRNA's, with and without doxycycline treatment, at two time points