Fibroblastien

Fibroblasts are resident connective tissue cells that synthesize the extracellular matrix and collagen, playing a central role in tissue maintenance and repair. They originate from mesenchymal progenitors and are typically spindle-shaped, with a prominent nucleus and a cytoplasm rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi, reflecting their high secretory activity.

In healthy tissue, fibroblasts regulate extracellular matrix turnover and help preserve tissue architecture. During wound healing, they become activated, proliferate, migrate into damaged areas, and secrete collagen and other matrix components to form new tissue. Under the influence of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and mechanical tension, fibroblasts can differentiate into myofibroblasts, which express alpha-smooth muscle actin and exhibit contractile properties that aid wound closure and scar formation.

Fibroblasts also secrete a variety of growth factors and cytokines that modulate inflammation, angiogenesis, and epithelial–mesenchymal interactions. They contribute to remodeling by producing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs), allowing dynamic restructuring of the extracellular matrix.

In disease, persistent or dysregulated fibroblast activation leads to fibrosis, with excessive ECM deposition that can impair organ function. Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are involved in fibrotic processes in the lungs, liver, skin, kidneys, and heart, and they can interact with cancer-associated stroma in tumor progression.

In research and medicine, fibroblasts are central to studies of wound healing, tissue engineering, and fibrotic diseases. They are used as model cells and as a source of engineered tissues, and therapies targeting fibroblast activation or ECM production are areas of ongoing investigation. Note: "fibroblastien" is the plural form in Dutch and other languages; in English the term is fibroblasts.