Myofibroblasts: molecular crossdressers.
Myofibroblasts are unique mesenchymal cells with properties inherent to both muscle and nonmuscle cells. They are widely distributed in embryos, are essential for the formation of functional adult tissues, and are intimately involved in tissue homeostasis and wound healing. Cytoskeletal protein expression and contractile properties distinguish them from other cell types. Myofibroblasts also express skeletal muscle structural and regulatory proteins, including sarcomeric myosin heavy chain and MyoD. Despite the presence of such myogenic regulatory proteins, these cells do not terminally differentiate into skeletal muscle. This article focuses on the interesting biology of myofibroblasts, their origin, and the molecular mechanisms that allow these cells to maintain a state intermediate between muscle and nonmuscle cells.
Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309, USA.
G A
GA
Walker
I A
IA
Guerrero
L A
LA
Leinwand
D000818:Animals; D002453:Cell Cycle; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009124:Muscle Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000166:cytology*; D010641:Phenotype; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology
D016207:Cytokines; D009124:Muscle Proteins; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor