Identification of BGN positive fibroblasts as a driving factor for colorectal cancer and development of its related prognostic model combined with machine learning.
Shangshang Hu1,2, Qianni Xiao3, Rui Gao3
1School of Medicine, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
BMC Cancer
|April 23, 2024
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
Biglycan-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (BGN+Fib) drive colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. A novel risk signature (BGNFRS) based on BGN+Fib effectively predicts overall survival and recurrence-free survival in CRC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Fibroblast Research
Background:
- Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression.
- The specific roles of distinct CAF subtypes in CRC remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional characteristics of CAF subtypes in CRC.
- To develop and validate a prognostic model for CRC based on CAF subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomic sequencing data.
- Employed bioinformatics analysis, in vitro experiments, and machine learning for subtype characterization and model construction.
Main Results:
- Biglycan-positive fibroblasts (BGN+Fib) were identified as CRC drivers, increasing with tumor progression.


