TGFB1 and colorectal carcinoma: CAFs have been reported to play diverse roles in the progression of solid tumors including CRC, such as promoting cancer cell growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis, as well as remodeling the extracellular matrix, and these effects are induced by several mediators, including interleukin 6, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and matrix metalloproteinases19–23.