TIMP1 and colorectal carcinoma: Immunoblot analysis of pFs treated with serum EVs from HD, CRC liver MET, and CRC (n = 27/group) further confirmed the qPCR data, given that significant upregulation of TIMP1 protein expression in fibroblasts treated with serum EVs from patients with disease (CRC liver MET and CRC) was observed relative to that in those treated with serum EVs from HD (Figs. 3F, G and S5A).