fibroblast prostate stromal cell fibroblast of connective tissue of glandular part of prostate A fibroblast that is part of the connective tissue of glandular part of prostate. https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_1000305 FMA:261283 Fibroblasts of the connective tissue of the glandular part of the prostate are fibroblasts found within the connective tissue encapsulating and supporting the glandular tissues in the prostate. These cells are responsible for producing and maintaining the extracellular matrix (ECM), a critical component of any connective tissue. The ECM provides a crucial scaffold or architecture for the tissue and plays a pivotal role in cell behavior and function. Fibroblast cells in the prostate, in particular, are involved in the regulation of the glandular activities, contributing to the homeostasis of this organ, primarily through their ability to secrete various growth factors, cytokines, and enzymes. They help regulate the growth and differentiation of prostatic epithelial cells, thus playing a role in maintaining proper glandular structure and function. Furthermore, these cells serve as a key conduit of intercellular communication due to their reciprocal interaction with the surrounding epithelial and stromal cells, influencing various aspects of cellular function such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Additionally, these cells have a significant part in pathological conditions that hit the prostate including prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In particular, when the prostate is afflicted by cancer, the fibroblasts are known to undergo a reactive change, transforming into myofibroblasts. These altered fibroblasts then exacerbate the disease by encouraging cancer cell growth and invasion, and promoting angiogenesis. Conversely, in BPH, the fibroblasts contribute to the excessive growth of prostatic tissue. (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.)