Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells derived from the mesoderm that give rise to several mesenchymal lineages, including osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes and myocytes. Their potent ability to home to tumors coupled with their differentiation potential and immunosuppressive function positions MSCs as key regulators of tumor fate. Here we review the existing knowledge on the involvement of MSCs in multiple tumor-promoting processes, including angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, immunosuppression and therapy resistance. We also discuss the clinical potential of MSC-based therapy for cancer.

中文翻译：

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间充质干细胞在癌症中的多方面作用。

间充质干细胞（MSC）是源自中胚层的多能干细胞，可产生多种间充质谱系，包括成骨细胞，脂肪细胞，软骨细胞和肌细胞。它们具有强大的适应肿瘤的能力，以及其分化潜能和免疫抑制功能，从而使MSCs成为肿瘤命运的关键调节因子。在这里，我们审查有关MSCs参与多个肿瘤促进过程，包括血管生成，上皮-间质转化，转移，免疫抑制和治疗耐药性的现有知识。我们还讨论了基于MSC的癌症治疗方法的临床潜力。