The persistent production of extracellular matrix during fibrosis leads to impaired organ function. Myofibroblasts are considered the predominant effector cell during fibrosis; however, the exact origin of myofibroblasts during kidney disease is widely debated. Here, the authors describe the evidence supporting the various potential origins of renal myofibroblasts as well as the techniques used to trace and identify these progenitor cells. They discuss the therapeutic methods that might prevent the transition of precursors to a myofibroblast phenotype, thereby inhibiting fibrosis.
- Lucas L. Falke
- Shima Gholizadeh
- Tri Q. Nguyen
