Fig. 8

A schema for illustrating the mechanism about how FGFR2⁺ CAF progenitors mobilize from BM, recruit into tumor mass and differentiate into CAFs under the guidance of tumor cells in ESCC. Schematic drawing those FGFR2⁺ CAF progenitors in BM can be mobilized by cancer-secreted FGF2 and recruited into tumor sites via the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Moreover, they differentiate into CAFs through the activation of YAP-TEAD complex which is trigger by directly contract with tumor cells. Abbreviations: CAF, cancer-associated fibroblast; BM, bone marrow; ESCC, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma