1. Potential regulation and prognostic model of colorectal cancer with extracellular matrix genes
- Author
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Xiaobao Yang, Jiale Gao, Tianzhen Zhang, Lu Yang, Chao Jing, Zhongtao Zhang, and Dan Tian
- Subjects
Colorectal cancer ,Extracellular matrix ,Single-cell sequencing ,Prognostic model ,Science (General) ,Q1-390 ,Social sciences (General) ,H1-99 - Abstract
Background: The tumor microenvironment (TME) of colorectal cancer (CRC) mainly comprises immune cells, stromal cells, tumor cells, as well as the extracellular matrix (ECM), which holds a pivotal position. The ECM affects cancer progression, but its regulatory roles and predictive potential in CRC are not fully understood. Methods: We analyzed transcriptomes from CRC tumors and paired normal tissues to study ECM features. Up-regulated ECM components were examined through functional enrichment analysis, and single-cell sequencing identified cell types producing collagen, regulators, and secreted factors. Transcription factor analysis and cell-cell interaction studies were conducted to identify potential regulators of ECM changes. Additionally, a prognostic model was developed using TCGA-CRC cohort data, focusing on up-regulated core ECM components. Results: Bulk RNA-seq analysis revealed a unique ECM pattern in tumors, with ECM abundance and composition significantly related to patient survival. Up-regulated ECM components were linked to various cancer-related pathways. Fibroblasts and non-fibroblasts interactions were crucial in forming the TME. Key potential regulators identified included ZNF469, PRRX2, TWIST1, and AEBP1. A prognostic model based on five ECM genes (THBS3, LAMB3, ESM1, SPRX, COL9A3) demonstrated strong associations with immune suppression and tumor angiogenesis. Conclusions: The ECM components were involved in various cell-cell interactions and correlated with tumor development and poor survival outcomes. The ECM prognostic model components could be potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions in colorectal cancer.
- Published
- 2024
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