Single cell analysis of Barrett's esophagus and carcinoma reveals cell types conferring risk via genetic predisposition

Abstract

Inherited genetic variants contribute to Barretts esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) but it is unknown which cell types are involved in this process. We performed single cell RNA-sequencing of BE, EAC and paired normal tissues and integrated data of a genome-wide association study to determine cell type-specific genetic risk and cellular processes that contribute to BE and EAC. The analysis revealed that EAC development is driven to a greater extent by local cellular processes than BE development. One cell type of BE origin (BE-EAC) and cellular processes that control the differentiation of columnar cells are of particular relevance for EAC development. Further, specific subtypes of fibroblasts and endothelial cells contribute to BE and EAC development, while dendritic cells and CD4+ memory T cells contribute exclusively to BE development. The diagnostic use of markers characterizing the identified cell types and cellular processes should be explored in future for EAC prediction.