Which cells mediate contraction and collagen synthesis during scar formation?

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Multiple Choice

Which cells mediate contraction and collagen synthesis during scar formation?

Contraction and collagen synthesis in scar formation are driven by myofibroblasts. These cells are specialized fibroblasts that acquire smooth muscle–like features, including expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, which lets them generate the tensile force needed to pull wound edges together. At the same time, they produce extracellular matrix components, mainly collagen types I and III, forming the scar tissue. They arise from resident fibroblasts under signals like TGF-β and mechanical tension and persist through granulation tissue before later contracting down as the scar matures. Fibroblasts do contribute to collagen production but lack the strong contractile function. Macrophages handle inflammation and remodeling, not contraction and collagen synthesis. Keratinocytes drive re-epithelialization of the wound surface.

Contraction and collagen synthesis in scar formation are driven by myofibroblasts. These cells are specialized fibroblasts that acquire smooth muscle–like features, including expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, which lets them generate the tensile force needed to pull wound edges together. At the same time, they produce extracellular matrix components, mainly collagen types I and III, forming the scar tissue. They arise from resident fibroblasts under signals like TGF-β and mechanical tension and persist through granulation tissue before later contracting down as the scar matures.

Fibroblasts do contribute to collagen production but lack the strong contractile function. Macrophages handle inflammation and remodeling, not contraction and collagen synthesis. Keratinocytes drive re-epithelialization of the wound surface.

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