Debra Barki

Highlights • A network of stress responses is heterogeneously activated in the tumor microenvironment • Stress responses are highly activated near cancer cells • The oxidative stress response is active in cancer-associated fibroblast and pericyte subsets • NRF2 plays a role in stromal heterogeneity Summary The tumor microenvironment (TME) presents cells with challenges such as variable pH, hypoxia, and free radicals, triggering stress responses that affect cancer progression.

Highlights • A network of stress responses is heterogeneously activated in the tumor microenvironment • Stress responses are highly activated near cancer cells • The oxidative stress response is active in cancer-associated fibroblast and pericyte subsets • NRF2 plays a role in stromal heterogeneity Summary The tumor microenvironment (TME) presents cells with challenges such as variable pH, hypoxia, and free radicals, triggering stress responses that affect cancer progression.

Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a challenging environment where cells must cope with stressful conditions such as fluctuating pH levels, hypoxia, and free radicals. In response, stress pathways are activated, which can both promote and inhibit tumorigenesis.