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Related Concept Videos

The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Introduction to Fibroblasts01:09

Introduction to Fibroblasts

Rudolph Virchow discovered spindle-shaped cells called fibroblasts in 1858. Inactive fibroblasts, called fibrocytes, become activated by various stimuli, such as growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. Activated fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing, inflammation, formation of new blood vessels, and cancer progression. Uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts results in fibrosis, the excess deposition of fibrous tissue, which can lead to scarring and affect normal organs. This...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

A Novel Stromal Fibroblast-Modulated 3D Tumor Spheroid Model for Studying Tumor-Stroma Interaction and Drug Discovery
07:20

A Novel Stromal Fibroblast-Modulated 3D Tumor Spheroid Model for Studying Tumor-Stroma Interaction and Drug Discovery

Published on: February 28, 2020

Tangled fibroblasts in tumor-stroma interactions.

Min Liu1, Jingjing Xu, Hong Deng

  • 1Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

International Journal of Cancer
|April 7, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Fibroblasts in tumor stroma play complex roles in cancer development and progression. This review explores their dual nature as potential allies or adversaries, influencing inflammation, fibrosis, and tumor malignancy.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

A Novel Stromal Fibroblast-Modulated 3D Tumor Spheroid Model for Studying Tumor-Stroma Interaction and Drug Discovery
07:20

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Published on: February 28, 2020

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08:39

Three-dimensional Co-culture Model for Tumor-stromal Interaction

Published on: February 2, 2015

A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication
09:52

A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication

Published on: September 20, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Fibrosis Research

Background:

  • Fibrogenesis, or desmoplasia, is common in tumors and linked to malignancy.
  • Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are increasingly recognized for their role in tumor progression.
  • The intricate mechanisms of fibroblast involvement in tumorigenesis require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complex and often contradictory roles of fibroblasts in tumor development.
  • To explore the relationship between inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer mediated by fibroblasts.
  • To discuss the potential genetic alterations and signaling pathways involved in tumor-stroma interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on cancer-associated fibroblasts.
  • Analysis of studies investigating fibroblast roles in tumor microenvironments.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on fibroblast activation and its outcomes in cancer.

Main Results:

  • Fibroblasts can act as both promoters and inhibitors of tumor growth.
  • Tumor-associated fibroblasts are implicated in the interplay between inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer.
  • Fibroblast activation within tumors may lead to senescence, death, or differentiation into progenitor cells like fibrocytes.

Conclusions:

  • The precise role of fibroblasts in cancer (friend or foe) remains a critical question.
  • Understanding fibroblast-stroma interactions is key to deciphering tumor development and progression.
  • Further research is needed to fully unravel the multifaceted contributions of fibroblasts to malignancy.