title: Understanding fibroblast heterogeneity in the skin.
abstract: Fibroblasts are found in most tissues, yet they remain poorly characterised. Different fibroblast subpopulations with distinct functions have been identified in the skin. This functional heterogeneity reflects the varied fibroblast lineages that arise from a common embryonic precursor. In addition to autocrine signals, fibroblasts are highly responsive to Wnt-regulated signals from the overlying epidermis, which can act both locally, via extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and via secreted factors that impact the behaviour of fibroblasts in different dermal locations. These findings may explain some of the changes that occur in connective tissue during wound healing and cancer progression.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, 28th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital Campus, London SE1 9RT, UK.
authors.forename: Ryan R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Driskell
authors.affiliation: Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, 28th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital Campus, London SE1 9RT, UK. Electronic address: fiona.watt@kcl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Fiona M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Watt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D005109:Extracellular Matrix; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology*; D060449:Wnt Signaling Pathway; D014945:Wound Healing
keywords: Wnt; adipocytes; connective tissue; dermis; lineage; stem cells