Spatial profiling of a unique cancer-associated fibroblast population in the tumor microenvironment in sporadic early-onset colon cancer [eocc_pip]
The incidence of sporadic early-onset colon cancer (EOCC) has increased worldwide. The molecular mechanisms in the tumor and the tumor microenvironment in EOCC are not fully understood. The aim of this study is to unravel unique spatial transcriptomic and proteomic profiles in tumor epithelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Sporadic colon cancer FFPE tissue samples were divided into patients diagnosed with EOCC (<50 yrs) and late-onset colon cancer (LOCC, =50 yrs). A total of 13 LOCC and 13 EOCC patients that were analyzed using HTG EdgeSeq Precision Immuno-Oncology Panel. The data generated was combined with in silico analysis and functional assays to characterize FAP(+) CAFs at the EOCC tumor invasive margin. Overall design: Twenty six colon cancer FFPE tissue samples were analyzed by HTG EdgeSeq Precision Immuno-Oncology Panel.  Thirteen FFPE tissue samples were from EOCC, and thirteen samples were from LOCC patients. For each FFPE tissue, a total of 12 µm2 area was collected for each tissue sample.