Cardiac Fibroblast Receptors: A Preclinical Dive Into Their Regulatory Influence on Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiac fibroblasts contribute to the heart's structural, electrical, and chemical integrity. Research has shown that cardiac fibroblasts have a variety of receptors that play an essential role in heart healing and function by maintaining control of autophagy, cell growth, breakdown and renewal of extracellular matrix, as well as signalling molecule production such as growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Receptors like endothelin, angiotensin, and DDR2 contribute to the development of cardiac fibrosis. When these receptors are triggered by their specific binding molecules (ligands), they activate fibroblasts and promote their transformation into myofibroblasts, which is marked by higher levels of collagen and α-smooth muscle actin. Cardiovascular diseases are among the top causes of illness, disability, and death around the world, affecting both the public and private sectors. It's fascinating that the transformation of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiac myofibroblasts could play a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Since it's been challenging to differentiate between these two cell types, gaining a better understanding of their activity might lead to therapies that support heart healing. Therefore, this review highlights the role of cardiac fibroblast receptors and their contributions to the progression of cardiac fibrosis which leads to several heart diseases.