COL10A1+ fibroblasts promote colorectal cancer metastasis and M2 macrophage polarization with pan-cancer relevance

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common gastrointestinal cancer with poor response to therapy and high metastatic risk. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) support tumor progression, but their functional heterogeneity remains poorly understood. METHODS: We integrated multi-omics data from 10,164 samples, including single-cell, bulk, spatial transcriptomics, and proteomics, to identify and characterize CAF subpopulations. Functional validation was performed using molecular assays, in vivo models, and drug screening. RESULTS: Fib may have similar functional roles across multiple major solid tumors. CONCLUSION: Fib, associated with CRC progression and immune suppression, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target in CRC and possibly other malignancies.