Fibroblasts: Origins, definitions, and functions in health and disease.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-22-2021
Publication Title
Cell
JAX Source
Cell 2021 Jul 22; 184(15):3852-3872
Volume
184
Issue
15
First Page
3852
Last Page
3872
ISSN
1097-4172
PMID
34297930
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.024
Abstract
Fibroblasts are diverse mesenchymal cells that participate in tissue homeostasis and disease by producing complex extracellular matrix and creating signaling niches through biophysical and biochemical cues. Transcriptionally and functionally heterogeneous across and within organs, fibroblasts encode regional positional information and maintain distinct cellular progeny. We summarize their development, lineages, functions, and contributions to fibrosis in four fibroblast-rich organs: skin, lung, skeletal muscle, and heart. We propose that fibroblasts are uniquely poised for tissue repair by easily reentering the cell cycle and exhibiting a reversible plasticity in phenotype and cell fate. These properties, when activated aberrantly, drive fibrotic disorders in humans.
Recommended Citation
Plikus M,
Wang X,
Sinha S,
Forte E,
Thompson S,
Herzog E,
Driskell R,
Rosenthal N,
Biernaskie J,
Horsley V.
Fibroblasts: Origins, definitions, and functions in health and disease. Cell 2021 Jul 22; 184(15):3852-3872