Core Viewpoint - Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children, characterized by significant developmental plasticity and intratumoral heterogeneity, leading to a 5-year survival rate of less than 50% in high-risk cases [2][8]. Group 1: Research Background - The study published by Professor Wang Jian's team from Suzhou University and Professor Hu Yizhou's team from Karolinska Institute in the journal Developmental Cell explores the developmental plasticity of neuroblastoma through single-cell multi-omics and spatial transcriptomics [2]. - Neuroblastoma originates from neural crest progenitor cells, which can differentiate into various cell types, including sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells, and is influenced by genetic abnormalities and the tumor microenvironment [8][9]. Group 2: Research Findings - The research identified an intermediate "bridge" cell state crucial for malignant transformation in high-risk neuroblastoma, characterized by extensive epigenetic pre-activation features and potential for multidirectional state transitions [9][10]. - A transcription factor-enhancer gene regulatory network (TF-eGRN) was defined, which characterizes tumor states and is influenced by the specific microenvironment of the bridge/progenitor cell state, promoting mesenchymal characteristics [10].

Core Viewpoint - Obesity has become a global health challenge, with over 1 billion people affected worldwide, leading to various chronic diseases and reduced quality of life [7]. Group 1: Health Implications of Obesity - The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that obesity is associated with a fivefold increased risk of type 2 diabetes compared to individuals with normal weight, as well as a significant rise in cardiovascular disease incidence [7]. - Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity and the positive effects of weight loss is crucial for improving global public health [7]. Group 2: Research Insights on Adipose Tissue - Recent research highlights the central role of adipose tissue in obesity and related metabolic diseases, revealing that abnormal remodeling of adipose tissue can lead to metabolic dysfunction, while weight loss can significantly improve this condition [8]. - A study published in Nature utilized high-resolution single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to explore cellular changes and molecular events in adipose tissue during obesity and weight loss, providing a theoretical foundation for innovative treatment strategies [8][10]. Group 3: Study Design and Findings - The study involved 70 participants, including 25 obese patients before and after weight loss surgery and 45 healthy individuals as a control group, analyzing over 170,000 cells' gene expression profiles [10]. - Findings indicated significant changes in various cell types within the adipose tissue of obese patients, with increased stress responses and aging characteristics, which improved post-weight loss surgery [10][11]. - The integration of single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics allowed researchers to comprehensively understand the dynamic changes in adipose tissue during obesity and weight loss, revealing that weight loss surgery enhances metabolic flexibility and reduces inflammatory responses in immune cells [11].