Molecular features and clinical significance of cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer

The elevated occurrence and fatality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be attributed not only to the biological attributes of uncontrolled tumor cell proliferation but also to the intricate interplay between tumor cells and surrounding cells in the microenvironment. Among these, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) stand out as a predominant type of mesenchymal cell in the microenvironment, with their biological functions in tumor advancement becoming increasingly recognized. CAFs play a significant role in the progression of CRC through diverse mechanisms, such as direct interactions with tumor cells and the secretion of cytokines that modulate the recruitment and function of macrophages and immune cells. This review explored various facets of the involvement of CAFs in the progression of CRC, including their origins, subtypes, marker molecules, interactions with other cells, and the potential clinical significance of targeting CAFs or CAFs-derived molecules in the context of CRC therapy.