"Mapping Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell States and Plasticity"
A study on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) reveals the transcriptional landscape of epithelial and malignant cells, identifying distinct cell subsets and their roles in LUAD development. The research shows that KRAS mutant LUADs exhibit unique transcriptional programs and extensive heterogeneity, while a subset of alveolar intermediate cells (AICs) transition to malignant cells, particularly KRAS mutant cells. These AICs, termed KRT8-high alveolar cells (KACs), are enriched in tumour-adjacent normal regions and display features of reactive epithelial cells. The study provides insights into the cellular and transcriptional phenotypes of LUAD, potentially identifying actionable targets for early treatment strategies.
