Matricellular Proteins and Organ Fibrosis

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review intends to outline the novel findings on the effects of matricellular proteins in the development of organ fibrosis and present recent advances towards a potential usage of matricellular proteins as markers or targets of therapy for fibrotic diseases.Recent FindingsRecent studies elucidated the sites of production of different matricellular proteins during fibrosis of several organs, their specific binding receptors, and their effects on different cell types. For some proteins, a differential function between chronic disease and acute injury and a connection to regulation of inflammatory cell subtypes with relevance to fibrosis was established.SummaryMatricellular proteins have evolved as important mediators in the progression of fibrosis. Several studies have already depicted their potential as biomarkers of the disease stage and evolution in patients, while the evaluation of their utility as therapeutic targets has been limited in animal models of fibrosis. This knowledge should guide future research on the development of drugs to treat fibrosis.
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research