Mechanical stress regulates the mechanotransduction and metabolism of cardiac fibroblasts in fibrotic cardiac diseases

Abstract

Fibrotic cardiac diseases are characterized by myocardial fibrosis that results in maladaptive cardiac remodeling. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are the main cell type responsible for fibrosis. In response to stress or injury, intrinsic CFs develop into myofibroblasts and produce excess extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Myofibroblasts are mechanosensitive cells that can detect changes in tissue stiffness and respond accordingly. Previous studies have revealed that some mechanical stimuli control fibroblast behaviors, including ECM formation, cell migration, and other phenotypic traits. Further, metabolic alteration is reported to regulate fibrotic signaling cascades, such as the transforming growth factor-β pathway and ECM deposition. However, the relationship between metabolic changes and mechanical stress during fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition remains unclear. This review aims to elaborate on the crosstalk between mechanical stress and metabolic changes during the pathological transition of cardiac fibroblasts.

Keywords

• Mechanobiology
• Metabolism
• Mechanical forces
• Fibrosis
• Myofibroblasts
• Cardiac remodeling