FIGURE 1.

Regulation of myofibroblast differentiation. Recently reported diverse ligands, signaling pathways, transcription, and epigenetic factors are summarized in this cartoon. The numbers within the square brackets refer to the relevant references. The respective factors are primarily reviewed from the standpoint of α-SMA as the target myofibroblast marker gene, but are also relevant to other genes associated with myofibroblast differentiation and function as described in the text. The fibroblast is indicated as the myofibroblast progenitor cell, but many of these factors play similar roles in differentiation from other progenitor cell types as discussed in the relevant sections. DNMTS, DNA methyl transferases; HDAC, histone deacetylase; LPA, lysophosphatidic acid; SMA, smooth muscle actin.