Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 26, 2025

A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth
06:35

A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth

Published on: December 22, 2020

4.6K

Role of CXCR3 in fibrotic tissue responses

Alan Wells1

  • 1Departments of Pathology, Bioengineering, and Computational & Systems Biology, and McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; R&D Service, Pittsburgh VA Health System, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|October 4, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Fibrosis, a disease of "failure to heal," may be treated by targeting the GPCR CXCR3 pathway. Promoting this signaling network shows promise in limiting and reversing fibrosis, offering novel therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Fibrosis, characterized by chronic inflammation and a failure in wound healing resolution, leads to end-stage organ diseases.
  • Current treatments for fibrotic diseases are limited, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate key molecular switches in wound healing resolution for novel anti-fibrotic approaches.
  • To examine the role of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) CXCR3 signaling in limiting or reversing fibrosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on wound healing, fibrosis, and GPCR signaling.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the impact of CXCR3 pathway activation on fibrotic processes.

Main Results:

  • The GPCR CXCR3 pathway is identified as a critical regulator in the transition from inflammation to healing.
  • Evidence suggests that promoting CXCR3 signaling can limit and potentially reverse early-stage fibrosis.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the CXCR3 pathway represents a promising, innovative strategy for developing new treatments for fibrotic diseases.
  • Pharmacologic interventions aimed at enhancing CXCR3 signaling warrant further investigation for their anti-fibrotic potential.
Keywords:
CXCL10/IP-10CXCL11/IP-9CXCL4/PF4CXCR3 chemokine receptorInflammationScarringWound healing

More Related Videos

Mechanistic Insight into the Development of TNBS-Mediated Intestinal Fibrosis and Evaluating the Inhibitory Effects of Rapamycin10:21

Mechanistic Insight into the Development of TNBS-Mediated Intestinal Fibrosis and Evaluating the Inhibitory Effects of Rapamycin

Published on: September 12, 2019

7.3K
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix10:21

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 2016

10.1K

Related Concept Videos

Introduction to Fibroblasts01:09

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...
3.2K
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
2.8K
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
2.7K
Extracellular Matrix01:26

Extracellular Matrix

Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
3.2K