A novel high-risk subpopulation identified by CTSL and ZBTB7B in gastric cancer

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is characterised by a heterogeneous tumour microenvironment (TME) that is closely associated with the response to treatment, especially immunotherapies. However, most previous GC molecular subtyping systems need complex gene signatures and examination methods, restricting their clinical applications. Thus, we developed a new TME-based molecular subtype using only two genes.

Methods: Nine independent GC cohorts at the tissue- or single-cell level with more than 2000 patients were used in this study, including data we examined by single-cell sequencing, quantitative RT-PCR and immunochemistry/immunofluorescence staining. Nine different methods, five existing molecular subtypes and a series of signatures were used to evaluate the TME and molecular characteristics of GC.

Results: We established a CTSL/ZBTB7B subtyping system and uncovered the novel CTSL^HighZBTB7B^Low high-risk subgroup, but characterised by relative higher immune cell infiltration and lower tumour purity. This subgroup demonstrate higher levels of immune checkpoints and more enrichment of cancer-related pathways compared with other cases.

Conclusions: We identified a high-risk subpopulation with unique TME features based on expressions of CTSL and ZBTB7B, suggesting a counterbalancing phenotype between immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive mechanisms. This subtyping system could be used to select treatment and management strategies for GC.