Main description:

Tissue Repair, Contraction and the Myofibroblast summarizes the latest findings concerning the biology of the myofibroblast, a cell involved in the evolution and contraction of granulation tissue and of fibrotic changes. Coverage shows that the myofibroblast is responsible for the development of hypertrophic scars, pulmonary and renal fibrosis and bronchial asthma. Reviews the cell biology and pathology of the myofibroblast as well as mechanisms of fibrosis evolution in many organs and tissues.

Contents:

Cytomechanics in Connective Tissue Repair and Engineering.- Scleroderma Lung Fibroblasts.- Functional Assessment of Fibroblast Heterogeneity by the Cell-Surface Glycoprotein Thy-1.- Tissue Repair in Asthma.- Experimental Models to Study the Origin and Role of Myofibroblasts in Renal Fibrosis.- Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Mesothelial Cells as a Mechanism Responsible for Peritoneal Membrane Failure in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.- FIZZy Alveolar Epithelial Cells Induce Myofibroblast Differentiation.- Pro-Invasive Molecular Cross-Signaling between Cancer Cells and Myofibroblasts.- Proangiogenic Implications of Hepatic Stellate Cell Transdifferentiation into Myofibroblasts Induced by Tumor Microenvironment.- Matrix Metalloproteinases, Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase and Matrix Turnover and the Fate of Hepatic Stellate Cells.- Innate Immune Regulation of Lung Injury and Repair.- An Eye on Repair.