Fibroblasts Become Fat to Reduce Scarring

The study by Plikus et al. demonstrated that scarring can be reduced by converting myofibroblasts, cells that contribute to scar formation, into adipocytes (fat cells) using a signaling pathway involving bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). This process is facilitated by the presence of hair follicles, and the research suggests that treatments combining WNT, FGF, and BMP could lead to scarless wound healing. The findings also indicate that myofibroblasts from keloid scars, which are typically resistant to treatment, can be similarly transformed into adipocytes with BMP. This discovery has significant potential for improving clinical treatments for fibrotic disorders and scarring, while also opening up new avenues for research into cellular reprogramming and stem cell identity.