Fibroblasts in heterotopic ossification: mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Heterotopic ossification (HO) refers to the abnormal formation of bone in non-skeletal tissues. Fibroblasts have traditionally been viewed as stationary cells primarily responsible for producing extracellular matrix during tissue repair and fibrosis. However, recent discoveries regarding their plasticity—encompassing roles in inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and osteogenesis—highlight their potential as key contributors to the development of HO. In this review, we systematically summarize the diverse phenotypic and functional plasticity of fibroblasts in HO. Furthermore, we evaluate the possible interaction between fibroblasts and macrophages in pathophysiological processes and signaling pathways. Finally, we highlight the potential strategies for preventing and treating HO by targeting fibroblast activities.

• Publication year

  2025

• Venue

  International Journal on Biological Sciences

• Publication date

  2025-01-01

• Fields of study

  Biology, Medicine

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.7150/ijbs.102297PMID 39781450PMCID 11705629
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar, PubMed

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

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