Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are known to have a significant impact on the TME and various other processes, including extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, facilitation of local invasion, and promotion of metastasis.882 C-X-X motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) ligand participates in the migration of various cancer cells,883 and activates multiple responses (such as migration, proliferation, etc.884) through the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in the tumor microenvironment. The gene discussed is CXCR4; the disease is cancer.