Analise Martinez 
Myofibroblasts 
Origin, Function and Role in Disease

Myofibroblasts play a major role in connective tissue remodeling by synthesizing the extracellular matrix (ECM) and by exerting contraction, both of which depend on complex and specific cell-matrix and cell-cell communications. Integrins are a major family of transmembrane receptors that directly link the intracellular cytoskeleton dynamics to extracellular structures via adhesions in all metazoans. In this book, Chapter One discusses major integrins that have an established role in the formation, function, and turnover of myofibroblasts associated with tissue remodeling. Chapter Two reviews the role of myofibroblasts in normal skin wound healing. Chapter Three summarizes the evidence for the presence and role of myofibroblasts in cancer progression and discusses the similarities of myofibroblasts in cancer and fibrosis. Chapter Four focuses on the role of bone marrow stem cells and bone marrow stem cell derived myofibroblasts in carcinogenesis and cancer development, and ways to inhibit the process of malignization.