Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41251976›Full record

ArticleDiscover oncology2025

Single cell transcriptomic analysis reveals molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance and immune microenvironment remodeling in ovarian cancer.

Xia Hu, Caifang Du, Dongjie Du, Yonghua Zhang, Haijian Gao, Minxian Tao

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Discover oncology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Xia Hu *Department of Medical Oncology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 77 Chang'an South Road, Zhangjiagang City, 215600, Jiangsu Province, China.
Caifang Du *Department of Medical Oncology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 77 Chang'an South Road, Zhangjiagang City, 215600, Jiangsu Province, China.
Dongjie DuVascular Surgery Catheterization Room, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, China.
Yonghua ZhangDepartment of Medical Oncology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 77 Chang'an South Road, Zhangjiagang City, 215600, Jiangsu Province, China.
Haijian GaoDepartment of Medical Oncology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 77 Chang'an South Road, Zhangjiagang City, 215600, Jiangsu Province, China. Gaohj2019@126.com.
Minxian TaoDepartment of Medical Oncology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 77 Chang'an South Road, Zhangjiagang City, 215600, Jiangsu Province, China. tminx_1981@126.com.

Funding

2022 Zhangjiagang Health Youth Science and Technology Project ZJGQNKJ202239
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundChemotherapy resistance remains a major clinical challenge in ovarian cancer treatment, limiting therapeutic efficacy and patient survival. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance at the single-cell level is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

methodsWe performed comprehensive single-cell RNA sequencing analysis on primary and chemoresistant ovarian cancer samples to characterize cellular heterogeneity and identify resistance-associated molecular signatures. Cell type identification, differential gene expression analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and immune microenvironment characterization were conducted to elucidate chemoresistance mechanisms. Computational predictions were validated by RT-qPCR analysis of four key resistance genes (BIRC5, ABCB1A, ABCG2, BCL2) in SKOV3 and SKOV3-CDDP cell lines.

resultsOur analysis identified nine distinct cell populations within the ovarian cancer microenvironment, revealing extensive transcriptional reprogramming in chemoresistant tumors. Key chemoresistance genes including Abcb1a, Abcg2, Bcl2, Birc5, Nek2, Inhba, Irs1, and Prc1 showed differential expression patterns across cell types. Epithelial cells and proliferating cells exhibited elevated expression of multiple resistance markers, particularly Birc5. Functional analysis revealed enrichment of ribosome biogenesis, protein synthesis machinery, and amoeboid-type cell migration pathways in resistant cells. Macrophage polarization states were significantly altered, and immune checkpoint molecules showed coordinated upregulation, indicating comprehensive immune microenvironment reprogramming. RT-PCR validation confirmed single-cell predictions with significant upregulation in resistant cells: BIRC5 (4.2-fold, p < 0.001), ABCB1A (3.8-fold, p < 0.001), ABCG2 (2.9-fold, p < 0.01), and BCL2 (2.1-fold, p < 0.05).

conclusionsThis study provides a comprehensive single-cell atlas of chemoresistance in ovarian cancer, revealing cell type-specific resistance mechanisms and immune evasion strategies. The identified molecular signatures offer potential therapeutic targets for overcoming chemotherapy resistance and improving patient outcomes.

Indexed as

ChemoresistanceImmune checkpointOvarian cancerSingle-cell RNA sequencingTumor microenvironment

Identifiers

PMID41251976
PMCPMC12627323

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