Spatial Transcriptomic Analysis Uncovers Molecular Variations Linked to Malignant Progression in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia

By
Naren Raja
Harsh B. Pathak
Amrita Mitra
Sufi Mary Thomas
Yong Wang
Tanya Marie Gibson
Rong Wang
July 10, 2026

Frontiers In Immunology

1

The study utilized spatial transcriptomics to analyze benign, oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) biopsies.
2

A total of 42 archived oral biopsy samples were analyzed, including 13 benign, 15 OED (8 transforming, 7 non-transforming), and 14 OSCC.
3

Eleven differentially expressed genes were identified in transforming versus non-transforming OED, linked to antigen presentation and interferon signaling.
4

Pathway analyses revealed enrichment of immune- and interferon-related processes in transforming OED lesions.
5

The findings suggest altered epithelial-immune interactions in transforming lesions, warranting further validation in future studies.

Original Source(s)

Frontiers In Immunology

Spatial transcriptomics reveals molecular differences associated with malignant transformation in oral epithelial dysplasia

by Naren Raja, Harsh B. Pathak, Amrita Mitra, Sufi Mary Thomas, Yong Wang, Tanya Marie Gibson, Rong Wang
July 10, 2026

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