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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Murine Dermal Fibroblast Isolation by FACS

Murine Dermal Fibroblast Isolation by FACS

Published on: January 7, 2016

The myofibroblast and its tumours.

B Eyden¹, S S Banerjee, P Shenjere

¹Department of Histopathology, Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. brian.eyden@christie.nhs.uk

Journal of Clinical Pathology

|October 22, 2008

Summary

Myofibroblastic lesions can be challenging to diagnose due to their rarity. This review defines myofibroblasts and details diagnostic features of benign and malignant lesions for improved accuracy.

Area of Science:

Pathology
Cell Biology
Oncology

Background:

Myofibroblastic lesions pose diagnostic challenges due to rarity and identification uncertainties.
Understanding myofibroblast biology is crucial for diagnosing these lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

Define the myofibroblast and its biology.
Describe benign and malignant myofibroblastic lesions, addressing diagnostic difficulties.
Clarify the nature of lesions traditionally considered myofibroblastic.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on myofibroblast definition, biology, and lesion characteristics.
Analysis of morphological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features.
Comparison of diagnostic criteria for myofibroblastic and smooth muscle lesions.

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Isolation of Primary Myofibroblasts from Mouse and Human Colon Tissue

Isolation of Primary Myofibroblasts from Mouse and Human Colon Tissue

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Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Murine Dermal Fibroblast Isolation by FACS

Murine Dermal Fibroblast Isolation by FACS

Published on: January 7, 2016

Experimental Generation of Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) from Human Mammary Fibroblasts

Experimental Generation of Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) from Human Mammary Fibroblasts

Published on: October 25, 2011

Isolation of Primary Myofibroblasts from Mouse and Human Colon Tissue

Isolation of Primary Myofibroblasts from Mouse and Human Colon Tissue

Published on: October 12, 2013

Main Results:

Myofibroblasts are characterized by specific morphology, alpha-smooth muscle actin and extra domain A variant of cellular fibronectin expression, and distinct ultrastructural features (fibronexus).
Lesions vary in differentiation; some may represent smooth muscle rather than myofibroblastic origin.
Combined immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy enhance diagnostic confidence.

Conclusions:

Accurate diagnosis of myofibroblastic lesions requires a comprehensive understanding of myofibroblast characteristics.
Distinguishing myofibroblastic lesions from smooth muscle tumors is critical.
Integrated use of immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy is vital for definitive diagnosis.