ECM1 and cancer: Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics localized key genes to cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs).<h4>Results</h4>Through analysis of metastasis and basement membrane-associated DEGs, 18 candidate MBRGs were identified and refined via univariate Cox and SHAP to a 6-gene signature (SERPINF1, DDR2, SLIT2, HSPG2, ECM1, RECK).