Targeting the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer: the effect of Rapamycin on angiogenesis, apoptosis, and STAT5A/TORC1 signaling.

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly the interactions between endothelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), plays a pivotal role in promoting tumor growth, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and therapy resistance. The HUVEC-fibroblast co-culture model closely mimics stromal-endothelial interactions observed in CRC, enabling mechanistic insights not achievable in monocultures. This physiologically relevant system allows simultaneous evaluation of stromal and vascular components, providing a more accurate platform to assess therapeutic interventions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study investigated the effects of rapamycin on tumor-promoting processes in a HUVEC-fibroblast co-culture model simulating stromal interactions in CRC. Rapamycin treatment was evaluated using MTT assay, tube formation, Annexin V/PI flow cytometry, oxidative stress assays (TOS and MDA), RT-qPCR, and Western blotting. Rapamycin markedly reduced endothelial cell viability (~ 38%, p < 0.01) and tube length (~ 45%, p < 0.01), elevated TOS (↑1.7-fold) and MDA (↑2.1-fold) levels, and induced apoptosis (~ 48% total early and late apoptotic cells, p < 0.05). Molecular analyses demonstrated inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling and downregulation of STAT5A and TORC1 at both the mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusions: Rapamycin exerts multifaceted anti-tumor effects by disrupting CAF-endothelial interactions, suppressing angiogenesis, enhancing oxidative stress, and promoting apoptosis. These findings highlight its therapeutic potential for targeting stromal-vascular crosstalk in CRC and warrant further validation in monoculture, in vivo, and clinical settings.