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Introduction to Fibroblasts

Introduction to Fibroblasts

Rudolph Virchow discovered spindle-shaped cells called fibroblasts in 1858. Inactive fibroblasts, called fibrocytes, become activated by various stimuli, such as growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. Activated fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing, inflammation, formation of new blood vessels, and cancer progression. Uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts results in fibrosis, the excess deposition of fibrous tissue, which can lead to scarring and affect normal organs. This...

Formation of Muscle Fibers from Myoblasts

Formation of Muscle Fibers from Myoblasts

De novo myogenesis, or the formation of muscle fibers, begins during the early embryonic stages. The skeletal muscle is formed from somites– blocks of embryonic cell layers. The somites are further divided into dermatomes, myotomes, sclerotomes, and syndetomes. Among these, the myotomes give rise to muscle fibers.
Muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) are formed from the myotomes. MPCs express genes that encode the transcription factors Pax3 and Pax7. Along with Pax 3/7, other transcription factors...

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
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Microscopic Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles

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The Role of Actin and Myosin in Non-muscle Cells

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Actin and myosin or actomyosin filaments also play a significant role in cells other than those involved in muscle contraction (which occurs within the sarcomere of muscle cells). The mechanism of non-muscle cell contractile bundles was first observed in Dictyostelium and Acanthamoeba. In non-muscle cells, two bundles are commonly found: stress fibers and actomyosin adherence belts. These contractile bundles are smaller and less organized than the ones found in muscle cells. They are held...

Fibrous Proteins

Fibrous Proteins

Fibrous proteins are either long and narrow proteins or assemble to form long and thin structures. They contain repetitive units and usually consist of either alpha helices or beta sheets and, in rare cases, a mix of both. The amino acids in the primary structure often consist of repeating amino acid sequences. The role of fibrous proteins is primarily structural. Many are located in the extracellular matrix and are present in connective tissues to impart strength and joint mobility. They are...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

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

Myofibroblasts.

Biao Hu¹, Sem H Phan

¹Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA.

Current Opinion in Rheumatology

|November 2, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Recent research challenges the epithelial origin of myofibroblasts in fibrosis, suggesting pericytes as precursors. New insights into signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms offer potential targets for antifibrotic therapies.

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Last Updated: May 17, 2026

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

Isolation and Characterization of Adult Cardiac Fibroblasts and Myofibroblasts

Isolation and Characterization of Adult Cardiac Fibroblasts and Myofibroblasts

Published on: March 12, 2020

Ultrasonic-augmented Primary Adult Fibroblast Isolation

Ultrasonic-augmented Primary Adult Fibroblast Isolation

Published on: July 29, 2019

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Fibrosis Research
Translational Medicine

Background:

Myofibroblasts are central to chronic progressive fibrosis.
Understanding their origins and differentiation is crucial for developing treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advancements in myofibroblast research.
To highlight novel insights into myofibroblast origins and differentiation mechanisms.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent publications on myofibroblasts and fibrosis.
Analysis of studies investigating cellular origins and signaling pathways.

Main Results:

Recent studies challenge the epithelial origin of myofibroblasts, proposing pericytes as precursors.
Signaling pathways (Notch, Wnt, hedgehog) and NADPH oxidase 4 are implicated in differentiation.
Lysophosphatidic acid and epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, miRNA) regulate myofibroblast differentiation.

Conclusions:

New discoveries provide potential therapeutic targets for antifibrotic strategies.
Advances are critical given the limited treatment options for chronic fibrotic diseases like scleroderma.