Unraveling cell death in solid tumors: single-cell & spatial transcriptomics illuminate therapeutic target

Submission Deadline: 31 October 2025 View: 60 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Dr. Hailin Tang

Email: tanghl@sysucc.org.cn

Affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China

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Research Interests: Oncology, Breast cancer, Cell biology, Tumor microenvironment

Dr. Ujjal K Bhawal

Email: bhawal.ujjal.kumar@nihon-u.ac.jp

Affiliation: Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan

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Research Interests: Cell biology, Drug resistance, Mesenchymal stem cell

Dr. Xiaofang Guo

Email: xiaofang@usf.edu

Affiliation: Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, United States

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Research Interests: Oncology, Cell biology, Tumor microenvironment

Dr. Jindong Xie

Email: xiejd1@sysucc.org.cn

Affiliation: Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China

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Research Interests: Oncology, Breast cancer, Bioinformatics, Tumor microenvironment

Summary

Cell death is a crucial physiological process that maintains tissue homeostasis and the normal functioning of organisms. There are two primary forms of cell death: programmed cell death and non-programmed cell death. Programmed cell death is a highly regulated process controlled by genes, playing a key role in embryonic development, immune responses, and the removal of damaged cells. It occurs through precise signaling pathways to avoid harming neighboring cells. Non-programmed cell death, on the other hand, is typically triggered by external injury or pathological factors, leading to cell membrane rupture and the release of intracellular contents, which cause inflammation. Recently, research focus on cell death have gained attention, revealing its potential involvement in various solid tumors. Understanding the mechanisms of cell death is vital for disease treatment and health maintenance.

Multi-omics strategies (such as single-cell & spatial transcriptomics) have become invaluable tools for exploring the heterogeneity of tumor and its response to treatments. Through multi-omics analysis, researchers are able to uncover novel biomarkers, pathways, and therapeutic targets, which play pivotal roles in advancing personalized cancer treatments.

This Special Issue on “Unraveling cell death in solid tumors: single-cell & spatial transcriptomics illuminate therapeutic target” aims to feature Original Articles, Reviews, and Commentaries that focus on these novel therapeutic developments for both solid malignancies. This Special Issue does not accept simple bioinformatics analysis studies that are not accompanied by in vitro or in vivo experiments for validation.

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