Spatial multi-omics analysis reveals vimentinhigh macrophages–endothelial cells niche shapes CAFs heterogeneity in colorectal cancer metastasis

Abstract

The spatial architecture of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is pivotal in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis. By applying high-plex spatial multi-omic mapping and neighborhood analysis to a discovery cohort of colorectal cancer primary tumor (PT) and paired liver metastases (LM), we identified a specialized vimentinhigh macrophages-endothelial cells niche that orchestrates cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotypes. Mechanistically, in primary tumors, vimentinhigh macrophages secrete INHBA to activate the ACVR2/TGF-β axis in endothelial cells, driving CAFs toward a myCAF phenotype. Conversely, in liver metastases, these macrophages secrete CXCL9 to trigger the PI3K-Akt/NF-кB/CXCL12 cascade in endothelial cells, directing CAFs toward an iCAF state. Clinically, high niche activity predicts poor survival. Divergent endothelial signaling in primary versus metastatic lesions exposes site-specific stromal vulnerabilities for therapeutic targeting, with architectural features discernible from routine histopathology. These findings reveal a site-specific regulatory mechanism of the macrophage-endothelial niche, offering a novel and clinically significant biomarker for CRC prognosis.