<i>SPP1</i> ^<i>+</i> macrophages in colorectal cancer: Markers of malignancy and promising therapeutic targets.

ABSTRACT: SPP1⁺ macrophages have been identified as key players in the colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor microenvironment, but their function remains unclear. This study integrated single-cell and spatial transcriptomics with bulk sequencing to investigate the roles and mechanisms of SPP1 ⁺ macrophages in CRC. Our findings revealed a pronounced elevation of SPP1 ⁺ macrophages in CRC, especially within tumor territories. These macrophages served as markers for CRC initiation, progression, metastasis, and potential prognosis. Furthermore, they showed heightened transcriptional activity in genes linked to angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, glycolysis, hypoxia, and immunosuppression. SPP1 protein amplified CRC cell migration and inva

SUBMITTER: Xie Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11907465 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature