Biological and pharmacological modulations of fibroblast functions

During recent years, considerable progress in the field of connective-tissue research has brought about detailed information on the behaviour of fibroblastic cells under culture conditions and in in vivo situations. Well-characterized biological functions of fibroblasts include cell migration, cell attachment, cell proliferation and biosynthesis as well as degradation of multiple connective-tissue components. An exact control of these functions is essential in physiological processes of tissue development and repair, while, on the other hand, fibrotic diseases or poor wound healing are associated with functional deviances of fibroblasts. Therefore, the modulation of fibroblast functions has become the focus of ongoing research aiming to expand the pathophysiological understanding and therapeutic options in connective-tissue diseases. Discussing scientific approaches to investigate various fibroblast functions, this review surveys biological and pharmacological factors which affect the behaviour of fibroblasts.