Tumor-associated fibroblasts (Part I): active stromal participants in tumor development and progression?

Abstract

Phenotypic and functional characteristics of tumor associated fibroblasts (TAF) in contrast to normal fibroblasts are re v i e wed in this first synopsis (part I). Terms as tumor stroma, desmo-plasia, T A F , myofibroblast, and fetal-type fibroblast are defined, and experimental systems to study heterologous cell interactions are presented. While we only start to gather information on the genotype of T A F , a broad range of data deals with the e xpression profile of these cells, co v ering e.g. ECM and ECM-modulating molecules, growth factors and cytokines. Summarizing the recent state of kno w l e d g e indicates that TAF provide sources for tumor diagnosis and therap y , that ha v e to be further defined in an or g an- s p e c i f ic approach in terms of the functional impact on the tumor cell and its environment (see part II).