Novel therapeutic strategies targeting fibroblasts and fibrosis in heart disease
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Gourdie, RG
Dimmeler, S
Kohl, P
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Our understanding of cardiac fibroblast functions has moved beyond their roles in heart structure and extracellular matrix generation, and now includes contributions to paracrine, mechanical and electrical signalling during ontogenesis and normal cardiac activity. Fibroblasts have central roles in pathogenic remodelling during myocardial ischaemia, hypertension and heart failure. As key contributors to scar formation, they are crucial for tissue repair after interventions including surgery and ablation. Novel experimental approaches targeting cardiac fibroblasts are promising potential therapies for heart disease. Indeed, several existing drugs act, at least partially, through effects on cardiac connective tissue. This Review outlines the origins and roles of fibroblasts in cardiac development, homeostasis and disease; illustrates the involvement of fibroblasts in current and emerging clinical interventions; and identifies future targets for research and development.
Date Issued
2016-06-24
Date Acceptance
2016-04-15
Citation
Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2016, 15, pp.620-638
ISSN
1474-1784
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Start Page
620
End Page
638
Journal / Book Title
Nature Reviews Drug Discovery
Volume
15
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2016, Rights Managed by Nature Publishing Group
Sponsor
British Heart Foundation
Grant Number
FS/12/17/29532
Subjects
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
11 Medical And Health Sciences
06 Biological Sciences
Publication Status
Published