Modelling and targeting mechanical forces in organ fibrosis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Fibrotic diseases, including skin scarring, liver cirrhosis, and pulmonary fibrosis, lack effective treatments due to incomplete understanding of their mechanisms.
• Mechanical forces, arising from cell-matrix interactions, cell-cell contact, and fluid flow, are increasingly recognized as critical drivers of fibrosis initiation and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of mechanotransduction in driving fibrotic disease processes.
• To identify central pathways amenable to therapeutic targeting for preventing and reversing fibrosis.
• To discuss advancements in bioengineered models and therapeutic strategies for fibrosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on mechanotransduction pathways in fibrosis.
• Analysis of engineered models simulating fibrotic environments.
• Evaluation of molecular and biomaterials-based therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

• Physical forces are central to the initiation and propagation of fibrosis across various organs.
• Specific mechanotransduction pathways have been identified as potential therapeutic targets.
• Engineered models offer promising platforms for studying fibrosis and testing interventions.

Conclusions:

• Targeting mechanotransduction pathways presents a viable strategy for developing novel antifibrotic therapies.
• Bioengineered models are crucial for advancing fibrosis research and regenerative medicine.
• Further research is needed to address remaining challenges in fibrosis treatment and healing.