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THBS2-producing matrix CAFs promote colorectal cancer progression and link to poor prognosis via the CD47-MAPK axis

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  • Z. Liu
  • Y. Ba
  • D. Shan
  • X. Zhou
  • A. Zuo
  • Y. Zhang
  • H. Xu
  • S. Liu
  • B. Liu
  • Y. Zhao
  • S. Weng
  • R. Wang
  • J. Deng
  • P. Luo
  • Q. Cheng
  • X. Hu
  • S. Yang
  • F. Wang
  • X. Han
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Article number115555
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>22/04/2025
<mark>Journal</mark>Cell Reports
Issue number4
Volume44
Publication StatusPublished
Early online date12/04/25
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) display significant functional and molecular heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment, playing diverse roles in cancer progression. Employing single-cell RNA sequencing data of colorectal cancer (CRC), we identified a subset of matrix CAFs (mCAFs) as a critical subtype that secretes THBS2, a molecule linked to advanced cancer stages and poor prognosis. Spatial transcriptomics and multiplex immunohistochemistry revealed clear spatial colocalization between THBS2-producing mCAFs and tumor cells. Mechanically, CAF-secreted THBS2 binds to CD47 on tumor cells, triggering the MAPK/ERK5 signaling pathway, which enhances tumor progression. The tumor-promoting role of THBS2 was further validated using fibroblast-specific THBS2 knockout mice, patient-derived organoids, and xenografts. Moreover, the transcription factor CREB3L1 was identified as a regulator of the transformation of normal fibroblasts into THBS2-producing mCAFs. These findings underscore the pivotal role of THBS2 in CRC progression and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting the THBS2-CD47 axis and CREB3L1 in CRC.

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Export Date: 16 April 2025; Cited By: 0