HGF and neoplasm: mCAFs not only secrete numerous cytokines, including TGFβ, HGF, IL-6, CCL5, and MMP9, activating TGF-β, IL, and NF-κB signaling pathways [50], and inducing EMT in tumor cells, but also remodel the ECM by regulating the production of collagen and laminin, leading to the chronic accumulation of ECM proteins and the formation of a dense, high-pressure environment [51].