Integrated single‑cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal the colorectal cancer microenvironment - PubMed
6 hours ago
- #tumor microenvironment
- #spatial transcriptomics
- #colorectal cancer
- Integrated single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal the colorectal cancer (CRC) microenvironment, identifying tumor heterogeneity and spatially organized networks like immune-excluded zones and immune-active niches.
- Key discoveries include MGP-high epithelial cells driving liver metastasis via NF-κB-mediated PD-L1 upregulation, and SPP1+ CAFs forming immunosuppressive niches with mechanisms such as IL1R1+ iCAFs inducing M2 polarization.
- The approach identifies candidate biomarkers (e.g., TIMP1, SPP1+ CAFs) and potential therapeutic targets (e.g., IL1R1+ iCAFs, MDK-SDC4 axis) for clinical application, advancing precision diagnostics and therapeutics in CRC.