Origin and function of myofibroblasts in kidney fibrosis

Myofibroblasts are associated with organ fibrosis, but their origin and functional role remain unknown. Using multiple genetically engineered mice, the authors found that in the kidney, myofibroblasts arise from multiple sources—resident fibroblasts, bone marrow, endothelial cells and epithelial cells. Targeting these different populations may therefore be required to inhibit the accumulation of myofibroblasts in kidney fibrosis.