title: The myofibroblast in wound healing and fibrosis: answered and unanswered questions.
abstract: The discovery of the myofibroblast has allowed definition of the cell responsible for wound contraction and for the development of fibrotic changes. This review summarizes the main features of the myofibroblast and the mechanisms of myofibroblast generation. Myofibroblasts originate from a variety of cells according to the organ and the type of lesion. The mechanisms of myofibroblast contraction, which appear clearly different to those of smooth muscle cell contraction, are described. Finally, we summarize the possible strategies in order to reduce myofibroblast activities and thus influence several pathologies, such as hypertrophic scars and organ fibrosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Marie-Luce
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Bochaton-Piallat
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gabbiani
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Matrix Dynamics Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hinz
keywords: Myofibroblast; hypertrophic scars; mechanotransduction; myofibroblast contraction; myofibroblast generation; organ fibroses