Wound healing, fibroblast heterogeneity, and fibrosis

Fibroblasts are highly dynamic cells that play a central role in tissue repair and fibrosis. However, the mechanisms by which they contribute to both physiologic and pathologic states of extracellular matrix deposition and remodeling are just starting to be understood. In this review article, we discuss the current state of knowledge in fibroblast biology and heterogeneity, with a primary focus on the role of fibroblasts in skin wound repair. We also consider emerging techniques in the field, which enable an increasingly nuanced and contextualized understanding of these complex systems, and evaluate limitations of existing methodologies and knowledge. Collectively, this review spotlights a diverse body of research examining an often-overlooked cell type-the fibroblast-and its critical functions in wound repair and beyond.

Automated summary

Fibroblasts are important cells in tissue repair and fibrosis, but our understanding of the mechanisms by which they contribute to extracellular matrix deposition and remodeling is limited. This review discusses the current state of fibroblast biology and heterogeneity, with a focus on their role in skin wound repair, and evaluates the limitations of existing techniques and knowledge. The review highlights the critical functions of fibroblasts, a often overlooked cell type, in wound repair and other processes.