Journal of Practical Oncology ›› 2022, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (2): 167-172.doi: 10.11904/j.issn.1002-3070.2022.02.012

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The role of liver fibroblasts in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma

LIU Yu, YU Xingxin, GENG Zhida, CHEN Zhengliang, HUI Peng, LIANG Yingjian   

  1. The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University,Harbin 150001,China
  • Received:2021-07-15 Revised:2021-11-11 Online:2022-04-28 Published:2022-04-28

Abstract: Liver fibrosis and further cirrhosis are important factors in the occurrence and development of liver cancer.Fibroblasts can deposit extracellular matrix,and extracellular matrix deposition is also a hallmark of liver fibrosis.Liver fibrosis and further cirrhosis are important factors in the occurrence and development of liver cancer.There are many sources of fibroblasts,and the different sources are mainly due to the different nature of liver damage.It is currently believed that fibroblasts are mainly derived from hepatic stellate cells(Hepatic stellate cells,HSCs),also known as Ito cells.Liver fibroblasts can transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)during the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The role of activated hepatic stellate cells(activated HSCs,AHSCs)/tumor-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)in the occurrence and development of HCC has been confirmed.CAFs are a group of activated fibroblasts with different cell sources and phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment(TME)of HCC,and are closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors.CAFs may secrete a variety of growth factors and cytokines,promote extracellular matrix remodeling,enhance the stemness of liver cancer cells,promote tumor resistance,promote liver cancer angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry(Vm)to affect tumors cell proliferation,apoptosis,migration,invasion,angiogenesis,immune escape and drug resistance.Because of the above characteristics,CAFs can be used as ideal targets in tumor treatment.In this review,we will explain the latest understanding of HCC CAFs,their cell origin and biological functions.

Key words: Cancer-associated fibroblasts, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Tumor microenvironment, Molecular targets

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