Spatial transcriptomics reveals strong association between SFRP4 and extracellular matrix remodeling in prostate cancer.

ABSTRACT: Prostate tumor heterogeneity is a major obstacle when studying the biological mechanisms of molecular markers. Increased gene expression levels of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) is a biomarker in aggressive prostate cancer. To understand how SFRP4 relates to prostate cancer we performed comprehensive spatial and multiomics analysis of the same prostate cancer tissue samples. The experimental workflow included spatial transcriptomics, bulk transcriptomics, proteomics, DNA methylomics and tissue staining. SFRP4 mRNA was predominantly located in cancer stroma, produced by fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, and co-expressed with extracellular matrix components. We also confirmed that higher SFRP4 gene expression is associated with cancer aggressiveness. Gene expression of SFRP4

SUBMITTER: Andersen MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11543834 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature