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. 2023 Mar 31;14(3):229. doi: 10.1038/s41419-023-05756-6

Fig. 8. Mechanism of CRC pathogenesis.

Fig. 8

In the CRC microenvironment, Nodal is abundantly overexpressed and secreted by CRC cells, which subsequently activates the Smad2/3 signalling pathway. Activation of the Smad2/3 signalling pathway increases the expression of SCD1 at the transcriptional level, thereby increasing fatty acid desaturation. This contributes to the resistance of tumour cells to ferroptosis and promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.