Characterization of the phenotype and function of PRELP⁺ fibroblast subtype in liver metastatic colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Fibroblasts are critical mediators of tumor progression and metastasis; however, their heterogeneity and specific functions in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases remain incompletely understood.

Methods

We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis on relevant tissue samples. Subsequently, we validated our findings using immunofluorescence assays on histological slides from primary CRC with liver metastasis (mCC) and liver metastatic tumors (mLC). Further investigations included transcriptomic profiling, pseudotime trajectory analysis, multiplex immunofluorescence staining, and cell-cell communication analysis.

Results

Our scRNA-seq analysis identified a distinct PRELP-positive cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subtype

SUBMITTER: Dai Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12477005 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature