Additionally, CSCs and endothelial cells combined within the tumor microenvironment can transform normal fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) possessing increased proliferation and secreting unique cytokines, such as CXCL12, VEGF, PDGF and HGF (Junttila and de Sauvage, 2013). The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is neoplasm.