Organ fibrosis is a lethal outcome of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic
sclerosis. Myofibroblasts are scar-forming cells that are ultimately responsible for the …

It is generally accepted that fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation represents a key event
during wound healing and tissue repair. The high contractile force generated by …

Cutaneous tissue repair aims at restoring the barrier function of the skin. To achieve this,
defects need to be replaced by granulation tissue to form new connective tissue, and …

Cells and tissues can sense and react to the modifications of the physico-chemical
properties of the extracellular environment (ECM) through integrin-based adhesion sites and …

Background/aims: The influence of mechanical forces on skin has been examined since
1861 when Langer first reported the existence of lines of tension in cadaver skin. Internal …

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) in free‐floating collagen matrices show minimal
proliferation, although this may increase when the matrix is 'under tension'. We have …

Twenty years ago, we proposed a model of developmental control based on tensegrity
architecture, in which tissue pattern formation in the embryo is controlled through …

Our understanding of the role of oxygen in cell physiology has evolved from its long-
recognized importance as an essential factor in oxidative metabolism to its recognition as an …

Collagen hydrogels first appeared promising for skin repair. Unfortunately, their extensive
contraction and their poor mechanical properties constituted major disadvantages toward …

Anoïkis is defined as programmed cell death induced by the loss of cell/matrix interactions.
Adhesion to structural glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix is necessary for survival of the …