232-GPR116+ Pericytes Drive Esophageal Cancer Metastasis

Paper Talk · Nov 15, 2025 · 18m

The article details an investigation into the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) of metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The core finding identifies a distinct subpopulation of pericytes, known as GPR116$^+$ pericytes, which are significantly enriched in metastatic tumors and correlated with a poorer prognosis. Using advanced multi-omics techniques, the study uncovers a mechanism where these pericytes promote metastasis by secreting EGFL6, which then interacts with integrin $eta$1 on cancer cells to activate the NF-$\kappa$B pathway and induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition…