Single-cell investigations uncover interactions between TREM1-expressing myeloid cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts during colorectal cancer development - Summary - MDSpire

Single-cell investigations uncover interactions between TREM1-expressing myeloid cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts during colorectal cancer development

  • By

  • Shang-Yin Wu

  • Po-Chuan Chen

  • Ren-Hao Chan

  • Chung-Hsing Chen

  • Yi-Hsuan Huang

  • Yi-Jing Huang

  • Bing-Syuan Chung

  • Che-Hung Shen

  • Hsin-Yu Kuo

  • Jui-Wen Kang

  • Chung-Ta Lee

  • Hui-Ju Tsai

  • Yu-Chen Fang

  • Peng-Chan Lin

  • Yu-Min Yeh

  • Shang-Hung Chen

  • April 27, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To investigate the interactions between TREM1-positive myeloid cells and ACTA2-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer (CRC), focusing on the role of SPP1 signaling and its implications for therapeutic strategies.

Key Findings:
  • TREM1-positive myeloid cells were enriched in tumor tissues and associated with late-stage differentiated TAMCs, suggesting a role in tumor progression.
  • ACTA2-positive CAFs exhibited TGF-β-driven activation programs linked to CRC progression, indicating their potential as therapeutic targets.
  • SPP1 signaling from TREM1-positive myeloid cells to ACTA2-positive CAFs was identified as a potential axis of stromal-immune crosstalk, highlighting a novel interaction in the TME.
Interpretation:

The study highlights the significant role of TREM1-positive myeloid cells and CAFs in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in MSS CRC, suggesting potential therapeutic targets that could enhance treatment efficacy.

Limitations:
  • The study is based on a limited sample size of eight patients, which may not fully represent the CRC population.
  • Further functional validation of the identified interactions and signaling pathways is needed to confirm their roles in CRC.
Conclusion:

Understanding the interactions between TREM1-positive myeloid cells and CAFs may provide insights into immune evasion mechanisms in CRC and inform future therapeutic strategies.

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