fibroblast prostate stromal cell fibroblast of connective tissue of prostate A fibroblast that is part of the connective tissue of prostate. https://cdn.humanatlas.io/digital-objects/2d-ftu/prostate-prostate-glandular-acinus/v1.2/assets/2d-ftu-prostate-prostate-glandular-acinus.png The fibroblasts of connective tissue of the prostate are responsible for the production and maintenance of the extracellular matrix in the stromal region of the prostate gland. Fibroblasts, in general, are ubiquitous in the body's connective tissues, playing vital roles in wound healing and tissue repair. However, within the prostate, these cells exhibit unique characteristics targeted at the organ's health and function, permitting dynamic interactions with other cell types and fostering tissue architecture. Fibroblasts found in the prostate contribute significantly to the organ's function, particularly in maintaining tissue health and structure. These cells synthesize major structural proteins, such as collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans—components of the extracellular matrix that provide structural support to the prostate tissue. This ensures the prostate's smooth muscle maintains its capability to contract and expand, thereby enabling proper function during urination and ejaculation. Furthermore, as the prostate gland undergoes adaptive alterations in response to ageing, fibroblasts play an integral role in coordinating these changes through their ability to modulate the extracellular matrix. Beyond maintaining tissue structure, the fibroblast of connective tissue of the prostate also participates actively in paracrine signaling—communication with other cell types within the prostate. Such cross-talk is especially significant in settings of inflammation, tissue injury, and in the pathogenesis of diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. In disease states, these fibroblasts can transition to a reactive phenotype characterized by increased proliferation and secretion of growth factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This transition excessively modulates the extracellular matrix, contributing to the diseased state. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_1000299 FMA:261271 Homo sapiens