Fibroblast Structure and Development
- Fibroblasts have a branched cytoplasm surrounding an elliptical, speckled nucleus.
- Active fibroblasts can be recognised by their abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum.
- Inactive fibroblasts (fibrocytes) are smaller, spindle-shaped, and have less rough endoplasmic reticulum.
- Fibroblasts can locally align in parallel clusters when crowded.
- Fibroblasts do not form flat monolayers like epithelial cells.
- Fibroblasts and fibrocytes are two states of the same cells.
- Fibroblasts are the activated state, while fibrocytes are the less active state.
- Ectopically transplanted fibroblasts can retain positional memory of their previous location.
- Morphologically inconspicuous fibroblasts can cause discomfort if they stagnate excessively.
- The suffix '-blast' denotes a stem cell or an activated state of metabolism.
- Fibroblasts maintain the structural integrity of connective tissues.
- They secrete precursors of the extracellular matrix, including ground substance and fibers.
- Fibroblasts are derived from primitive mesenchyme and express vimentin.
- Epithelial cells can give rise to fibroblasts through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- Fibroblasts can give rise to epithelia through mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET).

Fibroblast Functions and Communication
- Fibroblasts make collagen fibers, glycosaminoglycans, reticular, and elastic fibers.
- They divide and synthesize ground substance in growing individuals.
- Tissue damage stimulates fibrocytes and induces the production of fibroblasts.
- Fibroblasts play a critical role in initiating inflammation in response to tissue injury.
- They regulate hematopoietic cells and provide a pathway for immune cells to regulate fibroblasts.
- Fibroblasts communicate with other cells through paracrine signaling.
- They can receive signals from neighboring cells and respond accordingly.
- Fibroblasts secrete cytokines and chemokines to attract immune cells to the site of injury.
- These cells can also interact with immune cells to modulate the immune response.
- Fibroblasts can communicate with endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis.

Fibroblasts in Disease and Pathology
- Abnormal fibroblast activity is associated with fibrosis, a condition characterised by excessive scar tissue formation.
- Fibroblasts play a role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer.
- Dysfunctional fibroblasts can contribute to chronic inflammation.
- Fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment can promote tumor growth and metastasis.
- Targeting fibroblast activity is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating fibrotic diseases and cancer.

Fibroblasts in Stem Cell Culture
- Fibroblasts are commonly used as feeder cells in the culture of pluripotent stem cells.
- They provide essential nutrients and support for the growth of stem cells.
- Fibroblasts can be genetically modified to enhance their ability to support stem cell culture.
- Feeder layer cells, including fibroblasts, can influence the differentiation of stem cells.
- Fibroblast feeder cells have been used to promote the maturation of induced pluripotent stem cells into specific cell types.

Research and Advances in Fibroblast Biology
- Scientists are studying the role of fibroblasts in tissue regeneration and repair.
- Understanding fibroblast behavior is crucial for developing therapies for fibrotic diseases.
- Advances in culture systems have led to the development of xeno-free culture conditions for fibroblasts and stem cells.
- Fibroblasts are being investigated as potential targets for immunotherapy.
- Research is ongoing to uncover the mechanisms underlying fibroblast-mediated immune responses.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
fibroblast (noun)
a connective-tissue cell of mesenchymal origin that secretes proteins and especially molecular collagen from which the extracellular matrix of connective tissue forms - fibrillar
Fibroblast (Wikipedia)

A fibroblast is a type of biological cell that synthesizes the extracellular matrix and collagen, produces the structural framework (stroma) for animal tissues, and plays a critical role in wound healing. Fibroblasts are the most common cells of connective tissue in animals.

Fibroblast
Details
LocationConnective tissue
FunctionExtracellular matrix and collagen creation
Identifiers
Latinfibroblastus
MeSHD005347
THH2.00.03.0.01002
FMA63877
Anatomical terms of microanatomy
Fibroblast (Wiktionary)

English

Etymology

fibro- +‎ -blast

Noun

fibroblast (plural fibroblasts)

  1. A cell found in connective tissue that produces fibers, such as collagen.

Derived terms

Translations

Romanian

Etymology

Borrowed from French

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