Molecular Pathways and Therapeutic Strategies for Fibrotic Conditions

Dear Colleagues,

Fibrotic conditions, characterized by the aberrant deposition of extracellular matrix proteins resulting in tissue scarring and dysfunction, impose a significant global health burden, necessitating a thorough comprehension of their underlying molecular pathways for effective intervention.

This Special Issue adopts a multidisciplinary approach encompassing basic research, preclinical models, clinical trials, and translational studies in order to elucidate key signaling cascades, such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), the mitogen-activated protein kinases phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) pathway, and the cytokine-mediated pathways orchestrating fibrosis. Additionally, it highlights novel therapeutic modalities, including small-molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapies, and repurposed drugs, aimed at modulating fibrotic pathways to promote tissue repair and regeneration. Understanding both the common and unique mechanisms governing fibrotic and sclerotic processes in systemic and autoimmune diseases enables the identification of targets for the different pathologies associated with these conditions. Notably, fibrosis is not only a hallmark of chronic diseases but also a significant feature of cancer progression, where tumor-associated fibrosis, known as desmoplasia, fosters tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis through molecular crosstalk between cancer cells, stromal cells, and the extracellular matrix. Thus, targeting fibrotic pathways is crucial for effective cancer therapy.

By facilitating collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and industry partners, this Special Issue seeks original articles and reviewers to expedite the development of innovative anti-fibrotic therapies, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and reducing the global burden of fibrotic diseases.

Dr. Morena Scotece
Guest Editor

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• fibrosis
• fibrotic disorders
• autoimmune diseases
• cancer
• adipose tissue fibrosis
• repurposed drugs
• gene therapies
• cytokine-mediated pathways
• anti-fibrotic therapies
• systemic diseases