Literature Analysis: BCAT2 Combined with ICB - A Novel Insight for Bladder Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Supported by ANT BIO PTE. LTD. Products

1. Literature Information

Title: BCAT2 Shapes a Noninflamed Tumor Microenvironment and Induces Resistance to Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Immunotherapy by Negatively Regulating Proinflammatory Chemokines and Anticancer Immunity

Journal: Advanced Science (Impact Factor: 24.3)

Publication Date: Online, January 15, 2023; Published in March 2023 (Volume 10, Issue 8, Article ID: e2207155)

Research Team: Professor Xiongbing Zu's team

Key Technology Supported by ANT BIO PTE. LTD.: Multiplex Fluorescence Immunohistochemistry (mIHC)

DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207155

PMID: 36642843; PMCID: PMC10015882

2. Research Background

Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the urinary system, with urothelial carcinoma being the predominant subtype. Originating from epithelial cells, this cancer exhibits a high propensity for metastasis and spread, resulting in poor prognosis. Currently, in addition to conventional surgical resection and chemotherapy, immunotherapy using PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICBs) has become a preferred treatment option for many patients. However, a subset of patients remains insensitive to ICB therapy. Enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy and expanding its applicability have thus emerged as critical research priorities in the scientific community.

Branched-chain amino acid transaminase 2 (BCAT2) is a core enzyme involved in sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism. Previous studies have demonstrated its role in the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer. However, its function in bladder cancer (BLCA) and its association with ICB therapy resistance remained unclear, warranting in-depth investigation.

3. Research Approach

To explore the regulatory role of BCAT2 in bladder cancer and its impact on ICB therapy response, Professor Xiongbing Zu's team conducted a comprehensive set of experiments. The research integrated molecular biological analyses, in vivo animal models, and clinical sample validation. A key component of the study was the use of tissue multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry staining to examine the spatial relationship between BCAT2-expressing tumor cells and immune cells. For this critical tissue-level validation, the team employed the 4-Color Multiplex Fluorescence IHC Staining Kit (Catalog No.: abs50012) from the Absin product line of ANT BIO PTE. LTD., enabling the simultaneous detection of multiple markers to characterize the tumor microenvironment (TME).

4. Research Outcomes

The study yielded several pivotal findings: Firstly, high BCAT2 expression in BLCA drives the formation of a noninflamed TME, whereas low BCAT2 expression is associated with an inflamed TME. Secondly, elevated BCAT2 expression inhibits the activity of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine-related pathways, leading to reduced infiltration of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and ultimately the establishment of a noninflamed TME. Thirdly, BCAT2 alters the expression pattern of CD8+ T cell-related chemokines and suppresses the cytotoxic effects of cytotoxic T cells.

At the tissue level, multiplex fluorescence IHC staining using ANT BIO PTE. LTD.'s abs50012 kit confirmed that BCAT2 is primarily expressed in tumor cells, and BCAT2+ tumor cells exhibit an exclusive spatial relationship with CD8+ T cells. Importantly, BCAT2 deletion was found to enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy, a finding that was validated in clinical patient samples. Additionally, the study proposed that BCAT2 holds significant value in predicting molecular subtypes of bladder cancer and guiding precision treatment strategies.

5. Product Empowerment: The Role of ANT BIO PTE. LTD. Products in the Research

The successful characterization of the spatial relationship between BCAT2+ tumor cells and CD8+ T cells, as well as the comprehensive analysis of the TME, relied heavily on the high-performance multiplex fluorescence IHC technology provided by ANT BIO PTE. LTD.'s Absin 4-Color Multiplex Fluorescence IHC Staining Kit (abs50012).

This product offers the core advantage of enabling simultaneous detection of multiple targets on a single tissue section, breaking the species limitation of primary antibodies. Its high sensitivity and specificity ensured the clear visualization and accurate localization of BCAT2+ tumor cells and CD8+ T cells, providing direct morphological evidence for the exclusive spatial relationship between these cell populations. This critical validation laid the foundation for the conclusion that BCAT2 shapes the TME and modulates ICB therapy response. The reliable performance of ANT BIO PTE. LTD.'s products effectively supported the team's efforts to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying bladder cancer progression and immunotherapy resistance.

6. Brand Mission

As a professional supplier of life science reagents, ANT BIO PTE. LTD. is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable products and comprehensive solutions to empower global life science research. The company's three specialized sub-brands cover the full spectrum of research needs in the life science field: Absin focuses on general reagents and kits, Starter specializes in antibodies, and UA is dedicated to recombinant proteins. Our core mission is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and practical applications, accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, and contribute to the advancement of human health and regenerative medicine.

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8. Disclaimer

This article is AI-compiled and interpreted based on the original work in DOI: 10.1002/advs.202413562. All intellectual property (e.g., images, data) of the original publication shall belong to the journal and the research team. For any infringement, please contact us promptly and we will take immediate action.

9. Brand Promotion Copy

ANT BIO PTE. LTD. – Empowering Scientific Breakthroughs

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