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Author Spotlight: Investigating Immune Cell Dynamics in the Tumor Microenvironment — Challenges and Innovations in Cancer Prognosis
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MCRS1 is associated with immunosuppressive microenvironments in pan-cancer and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma

Qiang Wang1,2, Yuntao Ye1,2, Mengyu Zhang1

  • 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.

Translational Cancer Research
|December 11, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microspherule protein 1 (MCRS1) is upregulated in 24 cancers, linked to poor prognosis and immune suppression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Targeting MCRS1 may overcome immunotherapy resistance by reprogramming the tumor microenvironment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Microspherule protein 1 (MCRS1) has uncharacterized roles in cancer immunology and therapy.
  • This study investigates MCRS1's pan-cancer immunological significance and therapeutic potential.
  • Focus is placed on MCRS1's epigenetic regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the pan-cancer immunological significance of MCRS1.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of MCRS1.
  • To dissect the epigenetic mechanisms driving MCRS1's role in HCC.

Main Methods:

  • Integrated multi-omics analysis including bulk transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq).
  • Utilized public datasets (TCGA, GTEx, HPA) and bioinformatics tools (UALCAN, GEPIA, TIMER).
  • Assessed MCRS1 expression, prognostic value, epigenetic regulation, immune cell infiltration, and functional impact in HCC.

Main Results:

  • MCRS1 was upregulated in 24 malignancies, correlating with advanced stage, poor differentiation, and reduced survival.
  • MCRS1 promoter hypomethylation drove overexpression in HCC, linked to tumor progression.
  • MCRS1 recruited M2 macrophages and myeloid dendritic cells, promoting an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • MCRS1 is a key link between epigenetic dysregulation and immunosuppression in HCC.
  • MCRS1 overexpression, driven by hypomethylation, creates an M2 macrophage-polarized, immune-resistant niche.
  • Targeting MCRS1 may enhance immunotherapy efficacy by overcoming resistance.
Keywords:
M2 macrophagePan-cancer analysishepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)microspherule protein 1 (MCRS1)

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