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Isolation and Characterization of Adult Cardiac Fibroblasts and Myofibroblasts
Published on: March 12, 2020
Cardiac fibroblast: the renaissance cell.
Colby A Souders1, Stephanie L K Bowers, Troy A Baudino
1Division of Molecular Cardiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College Of Medicine, 1901 South 1st Street, Temple, TX 76504, USA.
Circulation Research
|December 5, 2009
Summary
Cardiac fibroblasts are crucial for heart function and remodeling. This review highlights their diverse roles in maintaining cardiac health and responding to disease, particularly in angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cardiac Physiology
Background:
- The heart comprises permanent cells like fibroblasts, myocytes, and endothelial cells, with transient populations influencing function.
- Cardiac cell composition varies by species and developmental stage, impacting myocardial remodeling.
- Cardiac fibroblasts are vital for normal function and pathological remodeling (e.g., infarct, hypertension).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of cardiac fibroblasts.
- To elucidate fibroblast contributions to cardiac development and remodeling.
- To highlight fibroblast involvement in angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on cardiac fibroblasts.
- Analysis of fibroblast functions including ECM synthesis, cell signaling, and cytokine secretion.
- Examination of fibroblast interactions with other cardiac cells and their role in angiogenesis.
Main Results:
- Fibroblasts are a major cell population, though species-dependent.
- They regulate extracellular matrix, communicate with myocytes and endothelial cells, and influence electrophysiology.
- Fibroblast interactions impact growth factor secretion and blood vessel formation.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac fibroblasts are essential for maintaining cardiac function.
- They play a critical role in cardiac remodeling under pathological conditions.
- Further research is needed to fully understand fibroblast roles in angiogenesis and development.
