WHS Session G: Forces that Scar: Mechanobiology Across Fibrotic Tissues

Tissue injury activates a cascade of signaling pathways to recruit different cell types to orchestrate the healing response. However, excessive cell activation, inflammation, and accumulation of extracellular matrix can lead to inert, dysfunctional scar tissue as seen in pulmonary fibrosis, myocardial infarction, and hypertrophic scar formation. Mechanical tension plays a central role in orchestrating fibroproliferative responses following injury, particularly through mechanosensitive signaling pathways. In this session, investigators will discuss how mechanical signaling pathways can regulate fibrosis across various organ systems.

Stiffness and Solid Stress in Liver Fibrosis
Rebecca G. Wells, MD

Matrix Mechanobiology Regulates Pro-Fibrotic Cardiac Fibroblast Activation
Adam J. Engler, PhD