The diverse functions and therapeutic implications of cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer.

In the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a pivotal role in establishing tumor-permissive extracellular matrix structures, angiogenesis, and modulating the immune status of the tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby influencing tumor metastasis and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The pleiotropic effects of CAFs in the TME may be attributed to the heterogeneous origin and high plasticity of their population. Given the specificity of CAFs, they provide a variety of potential target molecules for future CRC treatment, which may play an indispensable role in CRC therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the origin of CAFs and their roles in the CRC tumor microenvironment, including the interaction between exosomes and CAFs in CRC. Additionally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]