The myofibroblast matrix: implications for tissue repair and fibrosis

Myofibroblasts, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) in which they reside, are critical components of wound healing and fibrosis. The ECM, traditionally viewed as the structural elements within which cells reside, is actually a functional tissue whose components possess not only scaffolding characteristics, but also growth factor, mitogenic, and other bioactive properties. Although it has been suggested that tissue fibrosis simply reflects an 'exuberant' wound-healing response, examination of the ECM and the roles of myofibroblasts during fibrogenesis instead suggest that the organism may be attempting to recapitulate developmental programmes designed to regenerate functional tissue. Evidence of this is provided…

• HA
  Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
• UO
  University of Michigan
• EC
  European Commission

  Awards: FP7/2007-2013, 2007-2013, FP7/2007, 237946
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: FP7/2007-2013, HL085083, R01 HL109118, U01 HL111016
• CI
  Canadian Institutes of Health Research

  Awards: 210820, 1004005
• NS
  Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

  Award: FP7/2007-2013