Fibroblast state switching orchestrates dermal maturation and wound healing

The study on murine dermis revealed that fibroblast behavior, specifically switching between proliferating and depositing extracellular matrix (ECM), was crucial for defining dermal architecture. A proposed model suggested that a negative feedback loop between ECM deposition and fibroblast proliferation determined dermal structure. Virtual-tissue simulations and in vivo live imaging showed that fibroblast migration was not necessary for maintaining homeostatic tissue architecture but was essential for wound healing. The findings highlighted the interdependence of cell proliferation and ECM deposition in tissue-scale coordination, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for enhancing skin regeneration.