Likewise, CAFs critically shape the vascular niche of Liver-CSCs by secreting pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), which drive angiogenesis and vascular mimicry—processes linked to tumor aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance (228–230). The gene discussed is CXCL12; the disease is neoplasm.