The interplay of integrin α11β1 on CAFs and the overexpressed proteins after CAF activation, such as α-SMA, PDGFRα and β, and variable cytokines on the cell surface and ECM, can induce desmoplasia and the progression, migration, and invasion of breast cancer (BC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), PDAC, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) (Deng et al., 2022; Hupfer et al., 2021; Jang & Beningo, 2019; Primac et al., 2019; Zeltz et al., 2022; Zeltz et al., 2020). The gene discussed is ACTA1; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.