Cancer-associated adipocytes promote peritoneal metastasis of colorectal signet ring cell carcinoma via FABP4 induction.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colorectal signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare and aggressive subtype with a high propensity for peritoneal metastasis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Methods

We isolated cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs) from omental tissue adjacent to SRCC peritoneal metastases and examined their morphological and metabolic features compared to normal adipocytes (NAs). Co-culture systems, patient-derived organoids (PDOs), transcriptomic/metabolomic profiling, and peritoneal metastasis mouse models were employed to assess the functional impact of CAAs. The role of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and its regulation via CAA-derived exosomes was also investigated.

Results

CAAs exhibited a dedifferentiated phenotype, enhanced free fatty

SUBMITTER: Dai W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12805693 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature