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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth
Published on: December 22, 2020
[Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts in cancer: the great escape]
Jean Albrengues1, Guerrino Meneguzzi1, Cédric Gaggioli1
1Inserm U1081, CNRS UMR7284, Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, IRCAN, Institut de recherche sur le cancer et le vieillissement, Faculté de médecine, 28, avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France.
Abstract:
Cellular and molecular crosstalks between cancer and non-cancer tumor-associated cells result in tumor growth and metastatic spreading. During carcinoma development, tumor cells secrete signaling molecules that influence the surrounding non-cancer cells, which, in return, favor tumor cell growth, survival, migration and metastasis. Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are the most abundant population of non-cancer cells found in tumors, and their presence is often associated with poor clinical prognosis. Here, we summarize the pro-carcinogenic roles of CAF cells during carcinogenesis, with a specific focus on their abilities to drive cancer cell-dependent pro-invasive extracellular matrix remodeling.
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