CXCL12 and neoplasm: Tumour cells are also thought to contribute to activation of CAFs via a transformation process involving exosomes containing nucleic acids like microRNAs170,171, chemokines and cytokines like TGFβ, CXCL12 (CXC-Chemokine ligand 12 also known as SDF1) and IL-6, as well as local stimuli like hypoxia and oxidative stress154,156,172.