Visceral and subcutaneous adipose stem cells modulate colorectal cancer cell progression: direct and indirect contact distinctly accelerate tumor aggressiveness

The results suggest a potential role of ASCs in modulating the plasticity of CRC cells and specific aspects of aggressive behavior, including increased growth and motility, as well as an association with loss of stemness features through distinct interactions that affect tumor progression. This study indicates that targeting physical interactions may be a relevant complement to strategies focused on paracrine signaling within the tumor microenvironment in the development of new therapeutic approaches.