Epithelial Cells as Active Player In Fibrosis: Findings from an In Vitro Model

Authors: Solange Moll, Martin Ebeling, Franziska Weibel, Annarita Farina, Andrea Araujo Del Rosario, Jean Christophe Hoflack, Silvia Pomposiello, Marco Prunotto

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056575

Abstract Summary

New research reveals that injured kidney epithelial cells can trigger fibroblast activation, driving kidney scarring. Using a 3D cell culture model, scientists showed that cisplatin-damaged tubular cells prompted fibroblasts to become myofibroblasts—key players in fibrosis. This challenges traditional views and positions epithelial cells as promising targets for anti-fibrotic therapies.

Why Brain? 🧠

Injured kidney epithelial cells can trigger fibroblast activation into myofibroblasts, driving fibrosis. This finding suggests epithelial cells are key therapeutic targets for preventing kidney scarring.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.