page_title: Cancer-associated fibroblast
section_title: Potential Origin
hierarchical_section_title: Cancer-associated fibroblast / Potential Origin
caption_attribution_description: English: Origins of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (modified from a diagram in 2014 Journal of Seminal Cancer Biology)
context_page_description: A cancer-associated fibroblast is a cell type within the tumor microenvironment that promotes tumorigenic features by initiating the remodelling of the extracellular matrix or by secreting cytokines. CAFs are a complex and abundant cell type within the tumour microenvironment; the number cannot decrease, as they are unable to undergo apoptosis.
  CAFs have been found to be abundant in a tumour stroma. Myofibroblasts and fibroblasts make up CAFs.
  The functions of these CAFs have been known to stimulate angiogenesis, supporting the formation of tumours and thus proliferation of cancer cell and metastasis. Cancer cells are usually also drug resistant, which is contributed by CAFs. As such, this interaction is being studied for potential anti-cancer therapy.
  Normal fibroblasts aid in the production of components of the extracellular matrix such as collagens, fibres, glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins and are therefore vital in tissue repair in wound healing.
context_section_description: The origins of CAF differ depending on the tumour histotype and where the tumour originated in the first place but can be broadly separated into 4 categories. The origin of each type of CAF has a role in determining the function of that specific cell.
caption: Origins of Cancer-associated fribroblasts (modified from 2014 Journal of Seminal Cancer Biology)[20]
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