Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals the heterogeneity and functional characteristics of macrophage subpopulations in colon cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colon cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality globally. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key contributors to tumor progression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the role of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), a critical regulator of macrophage-tumor interactions, in specific macrophage subsets in colon cancer remains unclear.

Methods

We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on tumor and adjacent normal tissues from three colon cancer patients. A comprehensive analysis integrating pseudotime trajectory, transcription factor network, cell-cell communication, and in silico SPP1 knockout modeling was conducted to characterize macrophage heterogeneity and function.

Results

Five macrophage subtypes were

SUBMITTER: Zhao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12816490 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature