develops from mesenchymal stem cell stromal cell stromal cell Stromal cells constitute a significant portion of the structural cellular milieu (stroma) that supports the function of parenchymal (functional) cells within an organ. The stroma is the connective, supportive framework of biological tissues with various functions depending on the specific organ and cell type. Stromal cells, derived from the mesenchymal lineage, play crucial roles in creating, maintaining, and repairing the tissue microenvironment in virtually all mammalian organs, making these cells indispensable to biological function. Additionally, stromal cells secrete growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules to constitute an interactive cellular network and ensure an optimal environment for the functional cells. Beyond mere structural support, these cells are instrumental in wound healing, inflammation, and maintaining tissue integrity. They may also influence the behavior of other cell types through direct cell-cell interactions or paracrine signaling. Clinically and in research, stromal cells often draw attention due to their interaction with tumors in the cancer microenvironment. Over the past years, the role of stromal cells as facilitators of tumor growth and metastasis has been recognized increasingly. They contribute to cancer progression not only by modulating the ECM but also through the secretion of various bioactive molecules and interacting with immune cells, thereby influencing the immunologic responses to tumors. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) BTO:0002064 FMA:83624 ZFA:0009226 https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000499 A connective tissue cell of an organ found in the loose connective tissue. connective tissue cell Homo sapiens