Fibrosis Research

Leading investigators review the highlights of current fibrosis research and the experimental methodologies used uncover the mechanisms that drive it. In their discussion of research methodologies utilizing cultured cells to model various aspects of the fibrotic response in vitro, the authors describe the isolation, characterization, and propagation of mesenchymal cells, and highlight the similarities and differences between methods that are appropriate for different types of fibroblasts. Approaches for studying collagen gene regulation and TGF-b production are also discussed, along with experimental methodologies utilizing animal models to study the pathogenesis of fibrosis. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Medicine series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Fibrosis, or scar tissue, is increasingly recognized as an important feature of many chronic diseases of the lung, kidney, heart, skin, eye, and bone. With some 45% of deaths in the United States attributed to fibrosing disorders and the lack of any effective treatment, research into the cellular, molecular, and genetic basis of fibrosis has exploded. In Fibrosis Research: Methods and Protocols, leading investigators at the forefront of this emerging field review the highlights of current fibrosis work in a variety of disciplines and the experimental methodologies used to uncover the mechanisms that drive it. In their discussion of research techniques utilizing cultured cells to model various aspects of the fibrotic response in vitro, the authors describe the isolation, characterization, and propagation of mesenchymal cells, and highlight the similarities and differences between methods that are appropriate for different types of fibroblasts. Approaches for studying collagen gene regulation and TGF-b production are also discussed, along with experimental methodologies utilizing animal models to study the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Additional techniques presented cover the evolving genetic methods for identifying "fibrosis genes" or allelic polymorphisms in human populations, microarray studies for describing global patterns of gene expression associated with fibrosis, and proteomic approaches to the same. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Medicine series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.§Authoritative and state-of-the-art, Fibrosis Research: Methods and Protocols offers investigators all the powerful experimental methodologies, techniques, and strategies needed today to study and ultimately understand the daunting problem of pathological fibrosis.