JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Identification of cancer-associated fibroblast signature genes for prognostic prediction in colorectal cancer

  • 0Department of Anorectal Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Genetics +

|

March 5, 2025

|

March 5, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study identified eight prognostic cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) genes in colorectal cancer (CRC). A CAF risk model accurately predicted patient outcomes and may offer new therapeutic targets for CRC.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Bioinformatics

Background

  • Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial components of the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer progression and treatment response.
  • Understanding CAFs in colorectal cancer (CRC) is vital for developing effective prognostic and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To characterize CAF-related genes in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • To establish a CAF gene signature for predicting prognosis in CRC patients.

Main Methods

  • Utilized single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data (GEO, TCGA).
  • Employed Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene expression analysis.
  • Developed and validated a CAF risk model using LASSO regression and external datasets.
  • Confirmed prognostic CAF expression via quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR).

Main Results

  • Identified a cohort of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as CAFs, with eight exhibiting prognostic significance.
  • The CAF risk model demonstrated high predictive accuracy for prognosis, validated across independent cohorts.
  • Prognostic CAFs (CD177, CCDC78) showed significant correlations with immune infiltration and tumor microenvironment characteristics.
  • Validated differential expression of specific CAFs (RAB36, CD177, PBX4, CCDC78, ACSL6, KCNJ14) in CRC cell lines.

Conclusions

  • The developed CAF risk model accurately predicts CRC prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and stromal estimates.
  • Specific prognostic CAFs, such as CD177 and CCDC78, represent potential therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer.

Keywords: