Human fibroblast cells are a type of cell found in the connective tissue of the human body. They play a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of tissues by producing and secreting extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans. Fibroblast cells also contribute to wound healing, tissue repair, and remodeling processes.
Fibroblasts have a spindle-shaped morphology, with elongated cell bodies and multiple cytoplasmic extensions. They are highly adaptable and can be found in various tissues throughout the body, including the skin, lungs, tendons, and blood vessels.
In research, human fibroblast cells are often used as a model system to study cellular processes, such as cell growth, migration, and response to stress or injury. They are also employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in diseases, such as fibrosis, cancer, and wound healing disorders. Additionally, human fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by introducing specific transcription factors, which can then be differentiated into various cell types for regenerative medicine and disease modeling applications.
Some well-known human fibroblast cell lines include:
- WI-38: A diploid human lung fibroblast cell line derived from fetal tissue, often used in vaccine development and as a model for studying cellular senescence and aging.
- MRC-5: Another human lung fibroblast cell line derived from fetal tissue, with similar applications as WI-38.
- BJ: A human skin fibroblast cell line derived from neonatal foreskin tissue, used for studying various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and response to stress or injury.
