Journal Article DKFZ-2026-00147

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Pooled single-cell screen in colorectal cancer defines transcriptional modules linked to oncogenes.

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2026
Nature Publishing Group UK [London]

Molecular systems biology nn, nn () [10.1038/s44320-025-00186-2]
 GO

Abstract: Oncogenic mutations shape colorectal cancer (CRC) biology, yet their impact on transcriptional phenotypes remains incompletely understood, and their individual prognostic value is limited. Here, we perform a pooled single-cell transcriptomic screen of over 100,000 CRC cells with a comprehensive barcoded library of oncogenic variants across genetically diverse CRC lines. Using a variational autoencoder-based interpretable factor model, we identify ten conserved oncogene-driven transcriptional modules (TMOs) representing core cancer phenotypes such as cellular plasticity, inflammatory response, replicative stress, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Engagement of these modules can be context-dependent, reflecting interactions between oncogene-induced driver pathways and background genetics. TMO activity in patient tumors stratifies CRC cohorts into high- and low-risk groups, improving relapse-free survival prediction beyond existing classification systems. Our study systematically links oncogenic signaling to transcriptional states and clinical outcomes, establishing a functional framework for module-based patient stratification in precision oncology.

Keyword(s): Colorectal Cancer ; Oncogenes ; Signatures ; Single Cell Screening ; Transcriptional Modules

Classification:

Note: #DKTKZFB26# / epub

Contributing Institute(s):
  1. DKTK Koordinierungsstelle Berlin (BE01)
Research Program(s):
  1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)

Appears in the scientific report 2026
Database coverage:
Medline ; Creative Commons Attribution CC BY (No Version) ; DOAJ ; Article Processing Charges ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; DEAL Wiley ; DOAJ Seal ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection
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 Record created 2026-01-20, last modified 2026-01-20



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