Pan-cancer single-cell analysis reveals the heterogeneity and plasticity of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment

Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the predominant components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and influence cancer hallmarks, but without systematic investigation on their ubiquitous characteristics across different cancer types. Here, we perform pan-cancer analysis on 226 samples across 10 solid cancer types to profile the TME at single-cell resolution, illustrating the commonalities/plasticity of heterogenous CAFs. Activation trajectory of the major CAF types is divided into three states, exhibiting distinct interactions with other cell components, and relating to prognosis of immunotherapy. Moreover, minor CAF components represent the alternative origin from other TME components (e.g.,…

• NR
  National Research Foundation
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 82103031, 82273445, 82272933, ZYJC18004, 81973408, ZYJC18003
• NR
  National Research Foundation of Korea

  Awards: 2021M3H9A2097520, 2019R1C1C1005403, 2019R1A4A1028802
• SU
  Sichuan University

  Awards: ZYJC18035, ZYJC18004, ZYYC20007, ZYJC18003
• WC
  West China Hospital, Sichuan University

  Awards: ZYJC18035, ZYJC18004, ZYYC20003, 1.3.5, ZYJC18003, ZYJC18025, ZYYC20007