The origin of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts and its molecular mechanisms

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts( CAFs) have not only been showed to play a crucial role in growth,progression and metastasis of tumors but also in the deposition of extracellular matrix( ECM). The normal fibroblasts,epithelial cells,endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells( MSCs) are recognized as the main source of CAFs. This paper aims to review the recent advances at the origin of the CAFs and its molecular mechanisms and possibility as potential therapeutic targets.