Defining molecular signatures of fibroblast phenotypes in fibrotic lung disease

Introduction: Fibroblasts exhibit an extraordinary capacity to undergo phenotypic changes during development and disease, both in in vitro and in vivo settings thereof. These changes include altered motility, migration, activation, or apoptosis. Enhanced migratory capacity e.g. of primary lung fibroblasts in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) patients was found in vitro, but the underlying mechanisms thereof remain elusive. Identification of aberrant molecular signaling pathways in migrating fibroblasts of fibrotic lungs may contribute to effective novel treatments for IPF. Methods: We have established a 3D cel…