An integrated spatially defined roadmap of normal and cancer-associated colon fibroblasts

ABSTRACT: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote tumorigenesis and represent potential therapeutic targets, highlighting the need for precise understanding of CAF heterogeneity. In colorectal cancer (CRC), CAF subsets and nomenclature vary widely, and many studies overlook the diversity of normal colon fibroblasts that shapes tumor mesenchyme. Here, we combine large-scale single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis with spatial validation and functional assays to construct a comprehensive reference map of human normal colon fibroblasts and mesenchymal subsets, guided by the well-characterized mouse colon. We define three major fibroblast populations, subepithelial myofibroblasts (SEMFs), mucosa-associated fibroblasts (MAFs), and submucosa-associated fibroblasts (SAFs), and characterize a previously un

SUBMITTER: Emma, W Viitala 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-10_1038-S44320-026-00247-0 | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other