Integrative Multiomics Analysis of the Angiogenesis-EMT Interface in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A coordinated angiogenesis–EMT transcriptional state is strongly linked in 342 TCGA oral cavity tumors, with Spearman rho = 0.809, and a 2,396-gene bridge across the transcriptome.

• Why it matters: Angiogenesis and EMT both drive oral squamous cell carcinoma progression, but it was unclear whether their activity varies together across tumors or mainly reflects differences in tumor composition.
• What they did: The study scored predefined, non-overlapping 20-gene angiogenesis and EMT signatures using a rank-based method, then tested coupling after adjusting for tumor purity and stromal/immune scores, and validated candidates in GSE30784 and CPTAC.
• The result: Coupling remained positive after joint adjustment (partial rho = 0.406) and with epithelial-restricted EMT (rho = 0.710); 101/146 candidates supported the dual program, and MICAL2 showed the strongest protein-level support, while interface score was not linked to overall survival (HR per 1-SD = 0.92).

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