Skin fibrosis describes an excessive accumulation of connective tissue that can manifest in association with systemic diseases such as scleroderma or locally following chronic tissue injuries resulting in hypertrophic or keloid scars. This fibrotic condition is the most common and visible form of fibrosis, and can cause severe disability, psychological stress and seriously affect morbidity. So far there are no specific treatments to halt or revert fibrosis, emphasising the great and unmet clinical need. Fibroblasts, the major cell population in connective tissues of the skin and other organs, are best known for their role in depositing and maintaining extracellular matrix. Although they were previously considered to be a homogenous population, recent advances in lineage tracing and transcriptomic techniques have revealed an astonishing functional heterogeneity between different fibroblast subpopulations in the skin. In homeostasis most fibroblasts quiesce but are rapidly “activated” during tissue repair. While this is usually transient, it becomes persistent/irreversible in fibrotic diseases and cancer. How pro-fibrotic phenotypes in fibroblasts are maintained long-term and which subsets are promoting the fibrotic response remain largely unknown in skin fibrosis. Using a single cell RNA-seq approach, we are investigating the changes in fibroblast behaviour and diversity in a mouse skin fibrosis model that recapitulates the human disease. We are comparing the cellular and molecular changes in early and advanced fibrotic lesions to identify the key fibroblast subpopulations, molecular regulators and connective tissue alterations promoting fibrotic tissue repair. Our findings will support the development of new fibroblast-targeted fibrosis therapies in skin and potentially other organs.

ESDR627 - Dissection of the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of dermal fibroblasts in skin fibrosis

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.