Fibroblast Heterogeneity And Its Implications.

After acute inflammation fibroblasts participate transiently in tissue repair by regulating the structure and function of healthy tissues. They also assume an aberrant stimulatory role during chronic inflammatory states including cancer. Heterogeneity of fibroblast applies to functional and phenotypic properties within or across tissues. Fibroblasts are heterogeneous with respect to functional properties, and that certain subpopulations of these cells may be clonally selected and expanded in diseased tissues. These pleiotropic functions highlight the inherent plasticity of fibroblasts and may provide new pathways to understand and therapeutically intervene in diseases. [Monali S NJIRM 2016; 7(5):92-94]