The Strain Response of Lung Myofibroblasts Cultured on Electrospun Polycaprolactone Nanofibers

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is a devastating condition characterized by excessive localized production of collagen in the lungs. Over 131,000 people are living with IPF in America (1, 2). There is currently no known treatment or cure for the disease. It has recently been shown that IPF myofibroblasts are sensitive to the stiffness of their substrate. Specifically, alpha Smooth Muscle Actin (alpha-SMA), a known indicator of IPF activity, was differentially produced on soft vs. stiff substrates (3). This suggests a mechanotransduction pathway within the IPF myofibroblasts.