Fig. 1 (IMAGE)

The University of Osaka

Fig. 1

Caption

In healthy colon tissue, "good" fibroblasts help support tissue architecture. However, in colon cancer, these fibroblasts transform into "bad" fibroblasts in low-oxygen areas near the tumor surface. These “bad” fibroblasts block the formation of blood vessels, keeping their surroundings in an oxygen-deprived state, which supports their own survival. At the same time, they release growth-promoting factors that act like supplements for cancer cells. While it may seem unexpected that hypoxia supports tumor growth, this study reveals that localized hypoxic environments can accelerate cancer progression.

Credit

Osakana Funwari

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