Abstract
The microenvironment of cancer cells has proven to be a critical component of tumors that strongly influences cancer development and progression into invasive and metastatic disease. Compared to normal tissue, dramatic differences in gene expression occur in multiple cell types that constitute the tumor microenvironment including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that are important stromal components of growing tumors. In this review, we present recent advances in understanding how microRNAs are deregulated in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and how this affects tumor biology. The microRNA signature of CAFs is discussed with respect to their functional relevance to tumor cells as well as other cell types involved in tumor homeostasis.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
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This paper is a Focussed Research Review based on a presentation given at the Second International Conference on Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunomonitoring (CITIM 2011), held in Budapest, Hungary, 2nd–5th May 2011. It is part of a CII series of Focussed Research Reviews and meeting report.
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Aprelikova, O., Green, J.E. MicroRNA regulation in cancer-associated fibroblasts. Cancer Immunol Immunother 61, 231–237 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-011-1139-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-011-1139-7