fibroblasty

Fibroblasts, known in Polish as fibroblasty, are a type of cell found throughout connective tissues. They are the primary producers of the extracellular matrix (ECM), synthesizing collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and other components that give tissues structure and strength. Morphologically, fibroblasts are spindle-shaped, with an elongated nucleus and long cytoplasmic processes, and they are most abundant in skin, tendon, and other fibrous tissues.

In normal tissue, fibroblasts maintain ECM turnover and respond to mechanical and biochemical signals to repair microdamage. Upon tissue injury or inflammation, they become activated and can differentiate into myofibroblasts, expressing smooth muscle actin and acquiring contractile ability. They migrate into wounds, proliferate, and secrete ECM to form granulation tissue, while remodeling enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases regulate ECM composition.

Fibroblasts play a central role in wound healing and tissue repair, but their activity can be dysregulated. Excessive ECM production leads to fibrosis and scarring, while persistent activation is observed in fibrotic diseases of the liver, lungs, kidney, and heart. In cancer biology, cancer-associated fibroblasts influence tumor progression by remodeling the ECM, secreting growth factors, and modulating immune responses.

Origin and diversity: fibroblasts arise mainly from mesenchymal cells; related cell types include fibrocytes and myofibroblasts, which represent different activation states. Understanding fibroblast biology informs regenerative medicine, fibrosis treatment, and cancer therapy.