Mesenchymal stem cells induce tumor stroma formation and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition through SPARC expression in colorectal cancer

Tumor‑stroma interactions serve a crucial role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), which secreted protein acidic and rich cysteine (SPARC) has been implicated. Due to between stromal cells [mesenchymal stem (MSCs)], SPARC gene expression is markedly upregulated CRC cells. The present study investigated its potential as biomarker. Specifically, examined association clinicopathological characteristics 42 cases CRC. was associated with T grade, N grade (TNM classification), stage poor prognosis. Furthermore, area fibroblast‑activating protein‑positive staining around increased SPARC‑positive compared SPARC‑negative cases. Proliferation wound healing assays SPARC‑silenced KM12SM [short hairpin RNA (shSPARC)], reduced demonstrated by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, revealed that proliferative migratory capacity shSPARC did not differ from wild‑type (WT) However, it when co‑cultured MSCs. in vivo, immunohistological analysis sequencing were conducted an orthotopic implanted mouse model. Tumor growth lymph node metastasis suppressed shSPARC‑transplanted tumors WT‑transplanted tumors, more marked suppression observed following co‑transplantation Immunohistological examination further reaction epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) co‑transplanted MSCs, these results consistent using extracted tumors. Overall, suggested dependent on interaction induce EMT promote formation tumor microenvironment, suggesting suitability novel target molecule for treatment.