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Review
. 2017 Sep-Dec;21(3):462-463.
doi: 10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_146_15.

Myofibroblasts: Master of disguise

Bhavana S Bagalad  1 , K P Mohan Kumar  2 , H K Puneeth  1
Affiliations
Review

Myofibroblasts: Master of disguise

Bhavana S Bagalad et al. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2017 Sep-Dec.

Abstract

Myofibroblasts are the unique population of smooth muscle-like fibroblasts. These cells have a role in growth factors secretion, matrix deposition and degradation. Thereby, myofibroblast contributes in both human physiology and pathology. This review explains the myofibroblastic lesions, imperative role of myofibroblasts in organogenesis, repair, regeneration, inflammation and tumorigenesis.

Keywords: Myofibroblasts; oral submucous fibrosis; squamous cell carcinoma; transforming growth factor-β; α-smooth muscle actin.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Progenitors of myofibroblasts
Figure 2
Figure 2
Formation of myofibroblasts from fibrocytes
Figure 3
Figure 3
Role of myofibroblasts in health and disease
Figure 4
Figure 4
Stromal myofibroblasts modulate angiogenesis with a multiprong approach
Figure 5
Figure 5
Few myofibroblasts are evident subepithelially in early OSMF.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Numerous myofibroblasts arranged parallel to the epithelium seen in advanced OSMF.
Figure 7
Figure 7
a- SMA expression by myofibroblasts in parakeratinized OKC and solid ameloblastoma
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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