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. 2010 Nov 11:2:78.
doi: 10.3410/B2-78.

Fibrosis: recent advances in myofibroblast biology and new therapeutic perspectives

Boris Hinz, Giulio Gabbiani

Fibrosis: recent advances in myofibroblast biology and new therapeutic perspectives

Boris Hinz et al. F1000 Biol Rep. .

Abstract

The crucial role of the myofibroblast in wound healing and fibrosis development is well established. This review discusses the mechanisms of myofibroblast action and the new findings that may develop into therapeutic strategies during the next few years.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Targeting the myofibroblast
Potential antifibrotic therapies can interfere with the chemical and mechanical factors that lead to myofibroblast formation from different precursor cells (shown here for fibroblasts). Alternatively, or additionally, specific features of the differentiated myofibroblast can be targeted to induce myofibroblast regression and/or apoptosis. α-SMA, alpha-smooth muscle actin; ECM, extracellular matrix; ED-A, extra domain A; IST-9; fibronectin antibody; TGFβ1, transforming growth factor β1.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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