High Invasive Potential Research Articles

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals heterogeneity in esophageal squamous epithelial cells and constructs models for predicting patient prognosis and immunotherapy.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), characterized by its high invasiveness and malignant potential, has long been a formidable challenge in terms of treatment. A variety of advanced analytical techniques are employed, including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), cell trajectory inference, transcription factor regulatory network analysis, GSVA enrichment analysis, mutation profile construction, and the inference of potential immunotherapeutic drugs. The purpose is to conduct a more comprehensive exploration of the heterogeneity among malignant squamous epithelial cell subgroups within the ESCC microenvironment and establish a model for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy outcomes of ESCC patients. An analysis was conducted through scRNA-seq, and three Cluster of malignant epithelial cells were identified using the infer CNV method. Cluster 0 was found to exhibit high invasiveness, whereas Cluster 1 displayed prominent characteristics associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Confirmation of these findings was provided through cell trajectory analysis, which positioned Cluster 0 at the initiation stage of development and Cluster 1 at the final developmental stage. The abundance of Cluster 0-2 groups in TCGA-LUAD samples was assessed using ssGSEA and subsequently categorized into high and low-expression groups. Notably, it was observed that Cluster 0-1 had a significant impact on survival (p<0.05). Furthermore, GSVA enrichment analysis demonstrated heightened activity in hallmark pathways for Cluster 0, whereas Cluster 1 exhibited notable enrichment in pathways related to cell proliferation. It is noteworthy that a prognostic model was established utilizing feature genes from Cluster 0-1, employing the Lasso and stepwise regression methods. The results revealed that in TCGA and GSE53624 cohorts, the low-risk group demonstrated significantly higher overall survival and increased levels of immune infiltration. An examination of four external immunotherapy cohorts unveiled that the low-risk group exhibited improved immunotherapeutic efficacy. Additionally, more meaningful treatment options were identified for the low-risk group. The findings revealed distinct interactions between malignant epithelial cells of ESCC and subgroups within the tumor microenvironment. Two cell clusters, strongly linked to survival, were pinpointed, and a signature was formulated. This signature is expected to play a crucial role in identifying and advancing precision medicine approaches for the treatment of ESCC.

Habitat Temperatures of the Red Firebug, Pyrrhocoris apterus: The Value of Small-Scale Climate Data Measurement.

Ambient temperature is a main parameter that determines the thriving and propagation of ectothermic insects. It affects egg and larval development as well as adults' survival and successful overwintering. Pyrrhocoris apterus is a herbivorous bug species almost ubiquitous in Eurasia. Its distribution extends from the Atlantic Coast to Siberia, Northwest China and Mongolia. After introduction, it established successfully in the USA, Central America, India and Australia, which indicates a high invasive potential of this species. We determined the climatic conditions in Central Europe in a habitat where P. apterus has been continuously observed for decades. We conducted temperature measurements in the habitat and in the microhabitats where individuals could be found during the year and set them against freely available climate data commonly used to characterize habitat climate. Our temperature measurements were also compared to thermal limits (critical thermal minima and maxima). Although ambient temperatures outside the thermal boundaries of P. apterus can and do occur in the habitat, the bugs thrive and propagate. Microhabitat measurement in winter showed that individuals sought areas with favorable temperatures for hibernation. In particular, these areas are not (always) represented in large-scale climate tables, leading to possible misinterpretation of future patterns of spread of invasive species spread.

A comprehensive update on the morphology and distribution of the invasive scaffold-web spider Eidmannella pallida (Araneae, Nesticidae) with a focus on new records from Italy.

Updated non-native distributional data of the invasive spider Eidmannella pallida (Emerton, 1875), Nesticidae, are herein summarized together with the morphological characters of the species. We report all the known localities from the literature. Furthermore, we present and discuss recent findings for the Italian peninsula. In particular, the species has been consistently found in vineyards and annual crop fields in North Italy and in olive groves in South Italy. We include a redescription of the species, and detailed illustrations of the diagnostic characters of both males and females, based on stereomicroscope and SEM images. The spreading potential of the species and its possible impacts on local communities are discussed. Our data suggest that E. pallida has high invasiveness potential and several new findings in non-native areas were recorded in the last years. We found that E. pallida can establish permanent populations in crop-dominated landscapes and has a tendency to exploit vulnerable ecosystems such as the subterranean environment. We thus recommend new and more comprehensive studies on this species to investigate in deeper detail its phylogeny, ecology, and micro-habitat preferences. A high effort should be placed to assess the potential negative effects of E. pallida on the endemic fauna in invaded areas, especially in caves.

Genetic and Morphological Characterization of the Invasive Corbicula Lineages in European Russia

Despite the full attention of malacologists to the study of Corbicula clams, stimulated mainly due to their high invasive potential and unique breeding system, studies based on an integrative taxonomic approach to identify various invasive lineages of this genus in European Russia are still limited. Our fieldwork was conducted in the Don, Volga, and Caspian Sea basins. In total, four distinct morphotypes belonging to the European forms R, Rlc, S, and “Int” of Corbicula clams were distinguished. According to our molecular genetic data, two Corbicula lineages, relevant to the nominal species Corbicula fluminea and C. fluminalis, can be defined. We observed a discrepancy between mtDNA haplotypes and morphological features for all individuals that were sampled from the Don and Kura Rivers. Identified mismatch may be due to the androgenetic reproduction of Corbicula that leads to cytonuclear inconsistencies. The 28S rRNA polymorphism in C. fluminea and C. fluminalis from studied localities was recorded. This occurrence is perhaps due to hybridization events between forms R, S, and Rlc. The biogeographic origins of Corbicula invasive lineages are discussed. Corbicula fluminalis (FW17, form S) has been detected for first time in the native range, namely in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Myanmar. We assume that the invasion of C. fluminalis into reservoirs and watercourses of the Caspian Sea basin (Republic of Dagestan and Stavropol Krai of Russia) was from Western Asia and Transcaucasia, and the introduction of C. fluminea to the Don and Volga River basins was from unspecified European countries.

TO THE FINDING OF SOME ALIEN SPECIES OF THE FAMILY POACEAE IN DAGESTAN

The paper provides information on new species of the Poaceae family, alien for the flora of Dagestan and the Eastern Caucasus, identified during field studies and in the analysis of various herbarium collections in 2020-2022. For the flora of the Eastern Caucasus, Echinochloa tzvelevii and Setaria adhaerens are indicated for the first time, and the presence of feral cultivated species in the flora of Dagestan is confirmed: Avena sativa, Lolium multiflorum, Sorghum drummondii, Sorghum technicum . For the first time for the flora of Dagestan, the quarantine species Cenchrus longispinus is presented. For each species, a brief description of the location is given, information on population status, phenophase, etc. is presented. In addition, an invasive status was assigned to each species, according to the criteria and guidelines used in the work on the regional "Black Books". Sorghum technicum and Cenchrus longispinus have a higher invasive potential (status 2), while the remaining 5 species ( Avena sativa, Echinochloa tzvelevii, Lolium multiflorum, Sorghum drummondii, Setaria adhaerens ) occur in disturbed and segetal communities (status 3).

Variations in Otolith and Scale Shape of the Invasive Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus Populations from Different Habitats of the Sava River Basin, Croatia

Abstract Round goby Neogobius melanostomus is one of the three invasive Ponto-Caspian gobies found in the Sava River basin in Croatia. It has a negative effect on the native ecosystems due to its high invasive potential that enables its rapid spread upstream in inland watercourses. The objective of this study was to determine the differences in sagittal otolith and scale shape of the frontal and established populations of N. melanostomus in two different habitat types. At two sampling sites in the main course of the Sava (Babina Greda, Slavonski Brod) and in a modified habitat (Sava-Odra canal), 20 individuals of N. melanostomus were collected and analysed. The geometric morphometric method was used together with Procrustes analysis of variance, canonical variate analysis and discriminant function analysis to analyse the otolith and scale shape. Significant differences in both otolith and scale shapes were found between settled (Babina Greda) and frontal (Slavonski Brod) populations from the main course of the Sava River. The main differences were the wider anterior part of the scales and a more pronounced open indentation on the otolith of the Babina Greda population. The settled population in the Sava-Odra canal was significantly different in otolith shape from the Babina Greda population but not from the Slavonski Brod population, suggesting that the upstream migration consisted of individuals with specific phenotype and genotype. Otoliths generally expressed greater shape variability than scales and thus may be more useful for differentiating between closely related populations on a finer scale. The results of this study suggest that the shape of otoliths and scales can be used to distinguish between closely related populations of N. melanostomus from different habitats but more comprehensive studies are needed due to the small number of samples.

SPRY4 as a Potential Mediator of the Anti-Tumoral Role of Macrophages in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most lethal subtype of thyroid cancer, with high invasive and metastatic potential, not responding to conventional treatments. Its aggressiveness may be influenced by macrophages, which are abundant cells in the tumor microenvironment. To investigate the role of macrophages in ATC aggressiveness, indirect co-cultures were established between ATC cell lines and THP-1-derived macrophages. Macrophages significantly increased both the migration and invasion of T235 cells (p < 0.01; p < 0.01), contrasting with a decrease in C3948 (p < 0.001; p < 0.05), with mild effects in T238 migration (p < 0.01) and C643 invasion (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry showed upregulation of CD80 (pro-inflammatory, anti-tumoral) and downregulation of CD163 (anti-inflammatory, pro-tumoral) in macrophages from co-culture with T235 (p < 0.05) and C3948 (p < 0.05), respectively. Accordingly, we found an upregulation of secreted pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., GM-CSF, IL-1α; p < 0.05) in C3948-macrophage co-cultures. Proteomic analysis showed the upregulation of SPRY4, an inhibitor of the MAPK pathway, in C3948 cells from co-culture. SPRY4 silencing promoted cancer cell invasion, reverting the reduced invasion of C3948 caused by macrophages. Our findings support that macrophages play a role in ATC cell aggressiveness. SPRY4 is a possible modulator of macrophage-ATC cell communication, with a tumor suppressor role relevant for therapeutic purposes.

Promotion of squamous cell carcinoma tumorigenesis by oncogene-mediated THG-1/TSC22D4 phosphorylation.

Carcinoma cells possess high proliferative and invasive potentials and exhibit a resilience against stresses, metabolic disorder, and therapeutic efforts. These properties are mainly acquired by genetic alterations including driver gene mutations. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here, we provide a novel mechanism connecting oncogenic signaling and the tumorigenic properties by a transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated clone 22 (TSC-22) family protein, THG-1 (also called as TSC22D4). THG-1 is localized at the basal layer of normal squamous epithelium and overexpressed in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). THG-1 knockdown suppressed SCC cell proliferation, invasiveness, and xenograft tumor formation. In contrast, THG-1 overexpression promoted the EGF-induced proliferation and stratified epithelium formation. Furthermore, THG-1 is phosphorylated by the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-RAS-ERK pathway, which promoted the oncogene-mediated tumorigenesis. Moreover, THG-1 involves in the alternative splicing of CD44 variants, a regulator of invasiveness, stemness, and oxidative stress resistance under the RTK pathway. These findings highlight the pivotal roles of THG-1 as a novel effector of SCC tumorigenesis, and the detection of THG-1 phosphorylation by our established specific antibody could contribute to cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Incorporating caudate species susceptibilities and climate change into models of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans risk in the United States of America

Worldwide, amphibians are threatened by several factors including climate change and pathogens. One emerging fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) has caused die-offs of European salamander populations, representing a conservation concern for hotspots of salamander diversity in the United States of America (U.S.A). While Bsal has not been detected in the U.S.A., previous work has suggested high invasion potential. As species susceptibility to Bsal is temperature dependent, we expect climate change to impact Bsal risk, which has not been explored. Here, we used predicted changes in environmental conditions, species-specific susceptibility estimates, and novel approaches assessing introduction risks to estimate current and future Bsal invasion risk. To generate predictions, we used geospatial data representing introduction risks, species susceptibility, and climatic suitability. Across climatic scenarios, our models predicted greatest overall risk of Bsal emergence in the southeastern and northwestern U.S.A. Bsal climatic suitability was greatest in the northwest, whereas the greatest number of susceptible species was predicted in the southeast. Under future scenarios, we predicted that climatically suitable areas for Bsal will be reduced by 3–14 % under the most extreme climate model.

MCL1 Inhibition Overcomes the Aggressiveness Features of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive subtype among breast cancers (BCs), characterized by anoikis resistance, high invasiveness, and metastatic potential as well as Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and stemness features. In the last few years, our research focused on the function of MCL1, an antiapoptotic protein frequently deregulated in TNBC. Here, we demonstrate that MCL1 inhibition by A-1210477, a specific BH3-mimetic, promotes anoikis/apoptosis in the MDA-MB-231 cell line, as shown via an increase in proapoptotic markers and caspase activation. Our evidence also shows A-1210477 effects on Focal Adhesions (FAs) impairing the integrin trim and survival signaling pathways, such as FAK, AKT, ERK, NF-κB, and GSK3β-inducing anoikis, thus suggesting a putative role of MCL1 in regulation of FA dynamics. Interestingly, in accordance with these results, we observed a reduction in migratory and invasiveness capabilities as confirmed by a decrease in metalloproteinases (MMPs) levels following A-1210477 treatment. Moreover, MCL1 inhibition promotes a reduction in EMT characteristics as demonstrated by the downregulation of Vimentin, MUC1, DNMT1, and a surprising re-expression of E-Cadherin, suggesting a possible mesenchymal-like phenotype reversion. In addition, we also observed the downregulation of stemness makers such as OCT3/4, SOX2, NANOG, as well as CD133, EpCAM, and CD49f. Our findings support the idea that MCL1 inhibition in MDA-MB-231 could be crucial to reduce anoikis resistance, aggressiveness, and metastatic potential and to minimize EMT and stemness features that distinguish TNBC.

Common juniper, an overlooked conifer with high invasion potential in protected areas of Patagonia

The benefits of early detection of biological invasions are widely recognized, especially for protected areas (PAs). However, research on incipient invasive plant species is scarce compared to species with a recognized history of invasion. Here, we characterized the invasion status of the non-native conifer Juniperus communis in PAs and interface areas of Andean Patagonia, Argentina. We mapped its distribution and described both the invasion and the environments this species inhabits through field studies, a literature review, and a citizen science initiative. We also modeled the species’ potential distribution by comparing the climatic characteristics of its native range with those of the introduced ranges studied. The results show that J. communis is now widely distributed in the region, occurring naturally in diverse habitats, and frequently within and close to PAs. This species can be considered an incipient invader with a high potential for expansion in its regional distribution range, largely due to its high reproductive potential and the high habitat suitability of this environment. Early detection of a plant invasion affords a valuable opportunity to inform citizens of the potential risks to high conservation value ecosystems before the invader is perceived as a natural component of the landscape.

Recent Advances in the Management of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Novel Biomarkers and Targeted Therapies.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) belongs to a heterogenous cancer group arising from renal tubular epithelial cells. Among RCC subtypes, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common variant, characterized by high aggressiveness, invasiveness and metastatic potential, features that lead to poor prognosis and high mortality rate. In addition, diagnosis of kidney cancer is incidental in the majority of cases, and this results in a late diagnosis, when the stage of the disease is advanced and the tumor has already metastasized. Furthermore, ccRCC treatment is complicated by its strong resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. Therefore, there is active ongoing research focused on identifying novel biomarkers which could be useful for assessing a better prognosis, as well as new molecules which could be used for targeted therapy. In this light, several novel targeted therapies have been shown to be effective in prolonging the overall survival of ccRCC patients. Thus, the aim of this review is to analyze the actual state-of-the-art on ccRCC diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic options, while also reporting the recent advances in novel biomarker discoveries, which could be exploited for a better prognosis or for targeted therapy.

Broad host susceptibility of North American amphibian species to Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans suggests high invasion potential and biodiversity risk

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) is a fungal pathogen of amphibians that is emerging in Europe and could be introduced to North America through international trade or other pathways. To evaluate the risk of Bsal invasion to amphibian biodiversity, we performed dose-response experiments on 35 North American species from 10 families, including larvae from five species. We discovered that Bsal caused infection in 74% and mortality in 35% of species tested. Both salamanders and frogs became infected and developed Bsal chytridiomycosis. Based on our host susceptibility results, environmental suitability conditions for Bsal, and geographic ranges of salamanders in the United States, predicted biodiversity loss is expected to be greatest in the Appalachian Region and along the West Coast. Indices of infection and disease susceptibility suggest that North American amphibian species span a spectrum of vulnerability to Bsal chytridiomycosis and most amphibian communities will include an assemblage of resistant, carrier, and amplification species. Predicted salamander losses could exceed 80 species in the United States and 140 species in North America.

The evaluation of chitosan hydrogel based curcumin effect on DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, MEG3, HOTAIR gene expression in glioblastoma cell line.

Cancer is one of the most important causes of death worldwide. Some types of cancer, including glioblastoma, with a high potential for growth, invasion, and resistance to general treatments, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have a high potential for recurrence. Many chemical drugs have been used to treat it, but herbal drugs are more effective with fewer side effects; Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effect of curcumin-chitosan nano-complex on the expression of MEG3, HOTAIR, DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B genes in the glioblastoma cell line. In this research, glioblastoma cell line, PCR and spectrophotometry techniques, MTT test and transmission, field emission transmission, and fluorescent electron microscopes were used. The morphological examination of the curcumin-chitosan nano-complex was without clumping, and the fluorescent microscope examination showed the nano-complex enters the cell and affects the genes expression. In its bioavailability studies, it was found that it significantly increases the death of cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Gene expression tests showed that this nano-complex increased MEG3 gene expression compared to the control group, which is statistically significant (p < 0.05). It also decreased HOTAIR gene expression compared to the control group, which was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). It decreased the expression of DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B genes compared to the control group, which is statistically significant (p < 0.05). By using active plant substances such as curcumin, the active demethylation of brain cells can be directed to the path of inhibiting the growth of brain cancer cells and eliminating them.

When are environmental DNA early detections of invasive species actionable?

Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling provides sensitive early detection capabilities for recently introduced taxa. However, natural resource managers struggle with how to integrate eDNA results into an early detection rapid response program because positive eDNA detections are not always indicative of an eventual infestation. We used a structured decision making (SDM) framework to evaluate appropriate response actions to hypothetical eDNA early detections of an introduced aquatic plant in Sebago Lake (Maine, USA). The results were juxtaposed to a recent study that used a similar SDM approach to evaluate response actions to hypothetical eDNA early detections of introduced mussels in Jordanelle Reservoir (Utah, USA). We found that eDNA early detections were not actionable in Sebago Lake because the plant's invasion potential was spatially constrained and the current management activities provided acceptable levels of mitigation. In Jordanelle Reservoir, eDNA detections were actionable due to high invasion potential and analyses supported management actions to contain the invasion. The divergent outcomes of the two case studies are related to the unique attributes of the habitats and species, highlighting the utility of the SDM approach when considering an eDNA monitoring program. We use these two case studies to present a general SDM framework and a set of heuristics that can be efficiently applied to eDNA early detection rapid response scenarios and other instances associated with indeterminant eDNA detections, especially when there is an imperative to make decisions as quickly as possible.

Contrasting patterns in phylogenetic and biogeographic factories of invasive grasses (Poaceae) across the globe

Grasses (Family Poaceae) are among the most successful invasive plants in the world. Here we evaluate phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns of emergence of naturalized and invasive species among grasses globally. In our data, circa 19% of the grasses are currently catalogued as invasive and almost 38% are listed as naturalized; these are among the highest ratios for single families of organisms. Remarkably, most tribes of grasses contain numerous naturalized and invasive species, suggesting that the invasion success is rooted broadly in ancestral traits in the Poaceae. Moreover, the probability of invasiveness is positively related to the diversification rates in the family also suggesting a link with recent radiation events. The phylogenetic distribution of the invasive condition is neither strongly conserved nor purely random. Phylogenetic clumping levels also vary between Poaceae subclades. We postulate that this diffuse clumping could be partially attributed to the expression of labile traits that contribute to species invasiveness. In addition, floristic regions (biomes and biogeographic realms) have different proportions of invasive species, with the temperate Palearctic region having the highest ratio of invasive vs. non-invasive species. The phylodiversity of aliens across regions is also variable in space. Comparison of alien phylodiversity levels across biogeographic realms and biomes reveals regions producing highly restricted invasive lineages and others where the diversity of aliens exported is no different from global mean diversity levels in grasses. Elucidating the evolutionary patterns and drivers of invasiveness is useful for understanding and managing invasions, with the low phylogenetic structure of alien grasses warning of their overall high invasiveness potential.

Shade and no light explain Hovenia dulcis Thunb. invasiveness in subtropical forest fragments: A Greenhouse Microcosm Experiment

Hovenia dulcis is a non-native species with high capacity for invasion in subtropical forest fragments. In this study we used a greenhouse experiment simulating field abiotic and biotic conditions to investigate the germination and growth to determine the mechanisms associated with the high invasion potential of this species. We evaluated the effects of abiotic factors (light) and biotic factors (litter mass and litter type) on ecophysiological parameters: germination (GR), initial establishment (RR and ER) and shoot and root growth in a greenhouse experiment. Interactions between factors were compared using GLM, to select the best model and the factors that influence each parameter evaluated. GR, RR and ER were negative influenced by light intensities, when the low intensity presents more germination and establishment of individuals than intermediate intensity. Additionally, shoot height and root length were negatively influenced by the light intensity with a higher stem elongation in low light intensities. We found no interactions between the abiotic and biotic conditions tested. However, when evaluated individually, germination, establishment and growth were better in low light conditions regardless of the litter mass and litter type. These results challenge the classification of H. dulcis as an intolerant shade species.

Virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and dissemination of Campylobacter coli isolated from chicken carcasses in Brazil

Campylobacter coli is the second most incriminated species of Campylobacter in cases of human campylobacteriosis, often isolated from chicken meat. Brazil is the largest exporter of chicken meat in the world, which makes the characterization of Brazilian isolates crucial for the establishment of control measures. Eighty-three C. coli strains isolated from chicken carcasses in three states in Brazil were tested by conventional PCR for 14 virulence genes classified into five categories: biofilm formation (flA, luxS), secretion system (ctdABC, hcp), invasion and colonization (cadF, ciaB, pldA), stress adaptation (cbrA, htrA, dnaJ), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (neuA, cstII). A broth microdilution test was performed to test sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and erythromycin. The proteomic similarity between the isolates was established through a dendrogram using data obtained from MALDI-TOF. The gene profile showed high potential for invasion and colonization. The strains showed 89.2% resistance to ciprofloxacin and 55.4% to erythromycin. Brazilian state I showed widespread genetic diversity, states II and III showed local specificity. Our results suggest high virulence and resistance, evidence of cross contamination and maintenance of virulent genotypes, emphasizing the need for control measures in Brazilian slaughterhouses.

Monitoring the online ant trade reveals high biological invasion risk

Ants are traded as pets across the globe, but if introduced outside of their native ranges they could become invasive with dire environmental and economic consequences. We demonstrate how geotagged e-commerce information can be utilized for biosecurity risk assessment. We monitored online pet ant sales in China and found that 58,937 ant colonies from 209 species were sold by 206 sellers in 89 cities across the country in six months. More than a quarter of the traded species were not native to China. Trait-based analysis revealed that the most sought-after ants have higher invasive potential than less popular species. Climate-based distribution models suggest that 24.7 % of the non-native species could find suitable climatic conditions in the cities from which they were sold. If released, pet ants could interfere with urban ecosystems, rural agriculture, and spill over to threaten back-country habitats with high biodiversity. Based on our analysis we offer guidelines on wildlife trade policy and management: (1) we provide a list of potentially invasive ants sold in each Chinese city; (2) we identify the highest risk of a non-native ant introduction at the Greater Bay area of subtropical southern China; (3) we highlight the absence of within-country permitting requirements which resulted in invasive species being transported across Chinese provincial lines. Worldwide, similar wildlife trade records are only accessible to conservation practitioners cognizant of local languages and customs. We encourage grassroot web scraping of under-monitored, fast-developing economies to gather information crucial for guiding regional policy decisions.

Abstract 6563: Glioma stem cell index recapitulates grade, IDH mutation status and correlates with survival of glioma patients

Abstract Adult diffuse gliomas are heterogeneous and the most common primary brain tumors. Gliomas have high tissue invasion, proliferation and therapeutic resistance potential. Although much knowledge has been recently gained regarding glioma biology and evolution, many questions are still open, such as which is the cell of origin, what are its characteristics and how the tumor propagation occurs. The cancer stem cell (CSC) model proposes a population of cells with high self-renew capacity and capable of propagating the tumor with more differentiated cells, generating intratumoral heterogeneity. Based on the CSC model, our work aims to integrate the most advanced techniques available such as scRNAseq and machine learning models to estimate the enrichment of glioma stem cells (GSCs) in tumors, by defining a GSC-Stemness Index (GSCsi). To build the prediction model, we used public scRNA-seq data from glioblastoma (GBM)-enriched GSCs. We used the standard Seurat pipeline for quality control, normalization and downstream analysis. The GSC single cell data was used to train a prediction model using the One Class Logistic Regression (OCLR) algorithm. Several models were tested, including overdispersed genes, differentially expressed genes between GSCs and the whole tumor, GSCs from each patient individually and a model with all GSCs. The prediction models were applied to gene expression data from TCGA, GLASS, and publicly available scRNA-seq data from different glioma subtypes. The model built with all the GSCs and all genes showed the best performance, being able to identify with higher indices grade 4 gliomas and IDHwt in the TCGA and GLASS data. Survival analysis resulted in a hazard ratio greater than 20, indicating a high correlation between increased GSCsi and poor prognosis. By applying the model to scRNA-seq data from gliomas, clusters of high GSCsi were identified. We can partially conclude that the GSCsi obtained with the model is capable of identifying grade 4 gliomas and IDHwt and we are performing analyzes with the genes with the highest correlation (positive and negative) with the GSCsi in the TCGA and GLASS data. The analysis of these genes together with genes differentially expressed in the high GSCsi clusters in scRNA-seq data can elucidate pathways responsible for the therapeutic resistance and propagation of gliomas, in addition to proposing theories about the cell of origin and potential therapeutic targets to improve the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Citation Format: Renan L. Simões, Maycon Marção, Tathiane M. Malta. Glioma stem cell index recapitulates grade, IDH mutation status and correlates with survival of glioma patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6563.