Figure 7

A model for fibroblast-myofibroblast modulation during normal or excessive scar development. Proto-myofibroblasts express stress fibers containing cytoplasmic actins and develop focal adhesions. Myofibroblasts express stress fibers containing α-smooth muscle (SM) actin and supermature focal adhesions. During granulation tissue resolution, the reversion of the myofibroblast phenotype to the fibroblast phenotype remains to be demonstrated. ECM = extracellular matrix.