The impact of cancer-associated fibroblast heterogeneity on tumor microenvironment remodeling
WU Yuxin
LIU Lingshuang
Abstract：The tumor micro environment(TME)is pivotal for tumor onset,growth,and metastasis,offering a fertile ground for tumor biological activities and comprising stromal cells and extracellular matrix(ECM)that support tumor cell proliferation.Tumor-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),the predominant stromal cells in the TME,are highly heterogeneous and chronically activated,significantly impacting TME remodeling and tumor progression.This article comprehensively explores the heterogeneity of CAFs in terms of their origins,molecular markers,subset functions,and spatiotemporal dynamics.It delves into the complex mechanisms through which CAFs drive TME remodeling via ECM reorganization,immune microenvironment regulation,metabolic reprogramming,and angiogenesis.By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics to analyze the transcriptional profiles and markers of CAF subsets,the review identifies potential therapeutic targets and proposes multifaceted strategies targeting CAF heterogeneity.These approaches,which include precise CAF targeting,combination therapies,and dynamic monitoring techniques,present novel solutions for overcoming treatment resistance and enhancing therapeutic efficacy in cancer.
Keywords：cancer-associated fibroblastsheterogeneitytumor microenvironmenttargeted therapy
Publication Date：2025-12-28
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-12(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：8( 1226-1233 )