FBXO2 as a switch guides a special fate of tumor clones evolving into a highly malignant transcriptional subtype in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Tumors comprise a heterogeneous collection of tumor cells with distinct genetic and phenotypic characteristics that differentially promote malignant progression. Therefore, it is essential to depict the heterogeneous landscape of clones for understanding the cancer biology and overcoming the resistance of cancer therapy. To determine the dynamic clonal feature of OSCC, we constructed the evolutionary trajectory of tumor cells based on single-cell RNA sequencing data. A special transcriptional states of clones with distinct highly malignant features was identified, and FBXO2 was determined as the key switch gene causing the transition of tumor cells into this special state. FBXO2 exhibited a significantly high expression in OSCC than normal samples, especially in those with high clinical stages. The knockdown or overexpression of FBXO2 in OSCC cells correspondingly inhibited or promoted the abilities of proliferation, G1-S phase transition, migration, invasion, EMT, and resisting apoptosis. Moreover, FBXO2 was indicated to be involved in an intricate network to regulate multiple processes, modifying the interactions between tumor cells and other cells and thus defining different functional subtypes of tumor cells to affect tumor progression. These results provide new insights into clonal fate and pave the way for more effective therapy of OSCC.