Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Development of an In Vitro Assay to Evaluate Contractile Function of Mesenchymal Cells that Underwent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: June 10, 2016
Experimental systems to study the origin of the myofibroblast in peritoneal fibrosis
Manreet Padwal1, Peter J Margetts1
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Peritoneal fibrosis is one of the major complications occurring in long-term peritoneal dialysis patients as a result of injury. Peritoneal fibrosis is characterized by submesothelial thickening and fibrosis which is associated with a decline in peritoneal membrane function. The myofibroblast has been identified as the key player involved in the development and progression of peritoneal fibrosis. Activation of the myofibroblast is correlated with expansion of the extracellular matrix and changes in peritoneal membrane integrity. Over the years, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been accepted as the predominant source of the myofibroblast. Peritoneal mesothelial cells have been described to undergo EMT in response to injury. Several animal and in vitro studies support the role of EMT in peritoneal fibrosis; however, emerging evidence from genetic fate-mapping studies has demonstrated that myofibroblasts may be arising from resident fibroblasts and pericytes/perivascular fibroblasts. In this review, we will discuss hypotheses currently surrounding the origin of the myofibroblast and highlight the experimental systems predominantly being used to investigate this.
Insights
Peritoneal fibrosis in dialysis patients involves myofibroblast activation. While epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) was thought to be the primary source, new research suggests resident fibroblasts and pericytes may also contribute to this condition.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Peritoneal fibrosis is a serious complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis.
- It involves submesothelial thickening and fibrosis, impairing peritoneal membrane function.
- Myofibroblasts are central to peritoneal fibrosis development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current hypotheses on myofibroblast origins in peritoneal fibrosis.
- To discuss experimental systems used to investigate myofibroblast sources.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature, including animal studies, in vitro research, and genetic fate-mapping studies.
- Analysis of evidence supporting different myofibroblast origins.
Main Results:
- Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been the long-accepted source of myofibroblasts.
- Emerging genetic fate-mapping studies indicate resident fibroblasts and pericytes/perivascular fibroblasts as potential myofibroblast sources.
Conclusions:
- The precise origin of myofibroblasts in peritoneal fibrosis remains an active area of investigation.
- Understanding these origins is crucial for developing targeted therapies for peritoneal dialysis complications.
