Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the key component of tumor stromal. High heterogeneity of CAFs reflects in their origin, phenotype and function. Biological function which can be suggested by biomarkers of distinct CAF subgroups may be different, even opposite, just like water and fire. Identifying CAF subpopulations expressing different biomarkers and reconciling the relationship of the “water and fire” among distinct CAF subsets may be a breakthrough in tumor therapy. Herein, we briefly summarize the biomarkers commonly used or newly identified for distinct CAFs in terms of their features and potential clinical benefits.

中文翻译：

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癌症相关成纤维细胞的生物标志物

癌症相关的成纤维细胞（CAF）是肿瘤基质的关键组成部分。CAFs的高度异质性体现在其起源，表型和功能上。就像水和火一样，不同CAF亚组的生物标志物所暗示的生物学功能可能是不同的，甚至是相反的。鉴定表达不同生物标志物的CAF亚群并调和不同CAF亚群之间“水与火”的关系可能是肿瘤治疗中的一项突破。在本文中，我们就其特征和潜在的临床益处简要概述了通常用于不同CAF或已被新发现的生物标志物。