colorectal-cancer

Single-cell analysis reveals BCL2L1-overexpressing cells drive colorectal cancer liver metastasis and immune evasion.

scRNA-seq of primary CRC and liver metastases identified 5 CRC tumor cell subtypes. The C4 BCL2L1+ subset was predominantly enriched in liver metastases, showing enhanced proliferation, metabolic reprogramming, and anti-apoptotic activity. CEBPG regulates BCL2L1 expression; CEBPG silencing suppressed CRC proliferation and invasion. A BTRS model derived from this subtype stratified patient prognosis—high-risk group showed immune escape gene upregulation.

Key Findings

C4 BCL2L1+ tumor cell subtype predominantly enriched in CRC liver metastases
C4 cells show enhanced proliferation, metabolic reprogramming, and anti-apoptosis
CEBPG transcription factor regulates BCL2L1 expression
CEBPG silencing suppressed CRC cell proliferation and invasion
BTRS prognostic model based on C4 subtype effectively stratified patient outcomes

Implications

BCL2L1+ tumor cells and CEBPG are novel therapeutic targets in CRC liver metastasis. BTRS model could guide clinical risk stratification and treatment planning.

Caveats

Bioinformatics + cell line validation; abstract-only. Patient sample sizes for scRNA-seq not specified. Results need prospective clinical validation.

Source: Frontiers in immunology — 2026-01-01

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