MAFs are characterized by increased expression of IGF1, VEGFA, FGF2, SDF1, IL-6, IL-8, CCL2, CXCL12, sFRP2, hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which promote cancer cell survival, proliferation, and drug resistance. The gene discussed is CXCL12; the disease is cancer.