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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
14:47
Identification of MyoD Interactome Using Tandem Affinity Purification Coupled to Mass Spectrometry
Published on: May 17, 2016
Reversible differentiation of myofibroblasts by MyoD
Louise Hecker1, Rajesh Jagirdar, Toni Jin
1Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
Experimental Cell Research
|March 29, 2011
Summary
Myofibroblasts can deactivate by de-differentiating, a process regulated by MyoD. This finding offers new insights into fibrotic disorders and tissue repair mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Repair Mechanisms
- Fibrotic Disorders
Background:
- Myofibroblasts are crucial for tissue repair but their deactivation is key to restoring normal function.
- Accumulation of activated myofibroblasts is linked to progressive fibrotic diseases.
- Myofibroblast de-differentiation as a deactivation mechanism remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for myofibroblast de-differentiation.
- To identify molecular regulators of myofibroblast deactivation.
- To explore the role of MyoD in myofibroblast activation and deactivation.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the role of MyoD in myofibroblast differentiation induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1).
- Examined myofibroblast de-differentiation and proliferation through modulation of endogenous MyoD levels.
- Proposed a signaling model involving TGF-β1/ALK5/MyoD and mitogen(s)/ERK-MAPK/CDKs.
Main Results:
- Uncovered a role for MyoD in TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation.
- Demonstrated that myofibroblasts can de-differentiate and proliferate via MyoD modulation.
- Established a reciprocal signaling model regulating myofibroblast differentiation and de-differentiation.
Conclusions:
- MyoD plays a critical role in controlling both myofibroblast activation and deactivation.
- The limited capacity for myofibroblast de-differentiation may contribute to the progression of fibrotic disorders.
- This study provides the first evidence for MyoD in regulating myofibroblast deactivation.
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