Molecular biology of cancer-associated fibroblasts: can these cells be targeted in anti-cancer therapy?
It is increasingly recognized that the non-neoplastic stromal compartment in most solid cancers plays an active role in tumor proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most abundant cell types in the tumor stroma, and these cells are pro-tumorigenic. Evidence that CAFs are epigenetically and possibly also genetically distinct from normal fibroblasts is beginning to define these cells as potential targets of anti-cancer therapy. Here, we review the cell-of-origin and molecular biology of CAFs, arguing that such knowledge provides a rational basis for designing therapeutic strategies to coordinately and synergistically target both the stromal and malignant epithelial component of human cancers.
Gonda
Tamas A
TA
Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States. tg2214@columbia.edu
Varro
Andrea
A
Wang
Timothy C
TC
Tycko
Benjamin
B
D000818:Animals; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D014945:Wound Healing