Mechano-therapeutics: Targeting Mechanical Signaling in Fibrosis and Tumor Stroma.

ABSTRACT: Pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by activated myofibroblasts is a hallmark of fibrotic diseases and desmoplastic tumors. Activation of myofibroblasts occurs in response to fibrogenic tissue injury as well as in tumor-associated fibrotic reactions. The molecular determinants of myofibroblast activation in fibrosis and tumor stroma have traditionally been viewed to include biochemical agents, such as dysregulated growth factor and cytokine signaling, which profoundly alter the biology of fibroblasts, ultimately leading to overexuberant matrix deposition and fibrosis. More recently, compelling evidence has shown that altered mechanical properties of the ECM such as matrix stiffness are major drivers of tissue fibrogenesis by promoting mechano-activation of fibroblasts

SUBMITTER: Tschumperlin DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7299835 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature