ETV7 promotes 5-FU resistance and malignant progression through CXCL1-induced NETs formation in colorectal cancer

Resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) remains a major challenge in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we identify ETS variant transcription factor 7 (ETV7) as significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, with elevated expression associated with poor clinical prognosis. Functional assays demonstrate that ETV7 enhances CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and resistance to 5-FU. Mechanistically, ETV7 transcriptionally upregulates CXCL1, leading to increased neutrophil recruitment and enhanced formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The resulting NETs-enriched tumor microenvironment promotes tumor aggressiveness and chemoresistance. Pharmacological inhibition of CXCL1 or degradation of NETs effectively attenuates ETV7-driven malignant phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these findings establish an ETV7-CXCL1-NETs axis that contributes to 5-FU resistance in CRC and suggest that targeting this pathway may improve chemotherapy response.