Spatiotemporal multiomics uncover tumor ecosystem dynamics during metastatic colonization

Science. 2026 Jul 30;393(6810):eadz7928. doi: 10.1126/science.adz7928. Epub 2026 Jul 30.

Abstract

The mechanisms underlying the interactions between disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) and their tissue microenvironment during metastatic colonization are currently poorly understood. We integrated multimodal single-cell and spatial profiling from liver cancer mouse models and human metastases to track the spatiotemporal dynamics of DTCs and their microenvironments from single-cell seeding to overt lung metastasis. We identified a residual population of quiescent Phgdhhigh DTCs that survived initial innate immune clearance and became transiently enriched in micrometastases. These cells shaped an immune-scarce microenvironment through PHGDH-dependent, H3K27me3-mediated epigenetic silencing of chemokine transcription, thereby promoting metastatic expansion. Cx3cr1high interstitial macrophages were also transiently enriched before DTC expansion, creating an immune-privileged niche for metastatic outgrowth by recruiting immunosuppressive cells. Inactivating the PHGDH-H3K27me3 axis in DTCs or depleting interstitial macrophages restored immune surveillance and inhibited metastatic colonization. These findings provide insights into the development of micrometastasis-targeting regimens.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1 / genetics
  • CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1 / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / secondary
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Liver Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental* / genetics
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental* / immunology
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental* / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Lung Neoplasms* / secondary
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Multiomics
  • Neoplasm Micrometastasis* / immunology
  • Single-Cell Analysis
  • Spatial Transcriptomics
  • Tumor Microenvironment* / genetics
  • Tumor Microenvironment* / immunology

Substances

  • CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1
  • Cx3cr1 protein, mouse
  • Histones