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Therapeutic pro-fibrogenic signaling pathways in fibroblasts

Stefania Cannito1, Erica Novo1, Maurizio Parola1

  • 1Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, University of Torino, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Torino, Italy.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|June 5, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Myofibroblasts (MFs) are key drivers of chronic fibrotic diseases. Targeting conserved MF signaling pathways offers a promising strategy for developing new antifibrotic therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Pathology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Myofibroblasts (MFs) are crucial in chronic inflammatory and fibroproliferative diseases across various organs.
  • Fibrosis results from persistent injury, inflammation, and profibrogenic interactions involving MFs, precursor cells, and immune cells.
  • MFs exhibit conserved phenotypic traits, including proliferation, extracellular matrix production, migration, and modulation of inflammation and angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the critical role of myofibroblasts in fibrotic disease progression.
  • To identify conserved signaling pathways involving MFs and their interactions with other cells in fibrotic tissues.
  • To explore the potential of targeting these pathways for antifibrotic therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on liver, lung, and kidney fibrosis.
  • Analysis of molecular mediators and signaling pathways involved in MF differentiation and function.
  • Identification of conserved regulatory pathways across different fibrotic organs.

Main Results:

  • MFs are central to the initiation and perpetuation of fibrosis through complex cellular interactions.
  • Specific signaling pathways regulating MF differentiation and activity are conserved across different fibrotic organs.
  • These conserved pathways represent potential therapeutic targets for antifibrotic interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Myofibroblast-centric signaling pathways are critical in driving fibrosis.
  • Understanding these conserved pathways is essential for developing effective antifibrotic treatments.
  • Targeting MFs and their associated signaling offers a promising avenue for treating chronic fibrotic diseases.
Keywords:
Antifibrotic therapeutic strategiesChronic inflammatory diseasesKidney fibrosisLiver fibrosisLung fibrosisMyofibroblastsProfibrogenic pathways

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