Abstract
Activated myofibroblasts are key effector cells in tissue fibrosis. Emerging evidence suggests that myofibroblasts infiltrating fibrotic tissues originate predominantly from local mesenchyme-derived populations. Alterations in the extracellular matrix network play an important role in modulating fibroblast phenotype and function. In a pro-inflammatory environment, generation of matrix fragments may induce a matrix-degrading fibroblast phenotype. Deposition of ED-A fibronectin plays an important role in myofibroblast transdifferentiation. In fibrotic tissues, the matrix is enriched with matricellular macromolecules that regulate growth factor-mediated responses and modulate protease activation. This manuscript discusses emerging concepts on the role of the extracellular matrix in regulation of fibroblast behavior.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 11-18 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Current Pathobiology Reports |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 2016 |
Keywords
- Extracellular matrix
- Fibroblast
- Matricellular protein
- Myofibroblast
- Pericyte
- Thrombospondin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research