To assess the dynamics of stromal cells along with CRC progression, differential abundance was analysed, indicating that CXCL14+ CAF was significantly decreased in stage III CRC tissues compared with stage II CRC tissues, and CXCL12+ iCAF was dramatically increased in stage IV CRC tissues compared with stage III CRC tissues (Figure 3C). Here, CXCL14 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.