Cancer-associated fibroblast-induced lncRNA WARS2-IT1 confers radioresistance of colorectal cancer via enhancing HIF-1α stability.

ABSTRACT: The tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer (CRC) is marked by a diverse and abundant population of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which play a crucial role in radioresistance. Nonetheless, the mechanisms through which CAFs contribute to radioresistance remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that CAF^R, a specific subset of CAFs derived from radioresistant CRC patients, produces higher levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) compared to CAFs isolated from radiosensitive CRC patients. Through long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) profiling of tumor cells treated with CAF-conditioned medium (CAF-CM), we identify WARS2-IT1 (WARS2 intronic transcript 1), whose expression is directly stimulated by TGF-β1 signaling. This lncRNA serves as a key player in promoting radio

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12603266 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature