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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
10:45
Isolation and Characterization of Adult Cardiac Fibroblasts and Myofibroblasts
Published on: March 12, 2020
17.4K
Cardiac fibroblasts form and function
S Kanekar1, T Hirozanne1, L Terracio1
1Department of Developmental Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina USA.
Summary
Cardiac fibroblasts regulate the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the heart. This review explores how fibroblasts control ECM formation and structure during development and disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Extracellular Matrix Research
- Cardiac Fibroblast Function
Background:
- The cardiac interstitium's extracellular matrix (ECM) structure is known, but its regulatory mechanisms are not.
- Cardiac fibroblasts are key cellular components of the cardiac interstitium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of cardiac fibroblasts in cardiac ECM formation and regulation.
- To discuss the influence of ECM receptors, cellular phenotype, and signaling on fibroblast function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on cardiac fibroblast roles in ECM.
- Analysis of studies on cardiac development, physiological, and pathological conditions.
- Examination of signaling pathways and cellular phenotypes involved.
Main Results:
- Cardiac fibroblasts are central to ECM production and remodeling.
- Integrins and cellular phenotype significantly impact ECM composition.
- Mechanical and chemical signals modulate fibroblast activity and ECM deposition.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac fibroblasts are critical regulators of cardiac ECM homeostasis.
- Understanding fibroblast signaling is vital for addressing cardiac pathologies involving fibrosis.
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