The role and molecular mechanism of CTHRC1 in fibrosis

Fibrosis, a pathological state characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, is primarily driven by the overactivation of fibroblasts. This condition becomes particularly pronounced under chronic inflammatory conditions. Fibrosis can occur in several tissues throughout the body. Among the notable discoveries in the study of fibrosis is the role of Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing-1 (CTHRC1), a protein that has emerged as a critical regulator in the fibrotic process. CTHRC1 is rapidly expressed on the outer membrane of fibroblasts and intimal smooth muscle cells following vascular injury, such as that induced by balloon angioplasty. This expression denotes the organism efforts to repair and restructure compromised tissue, signifying a critical component of the tissue repair mechanism in reaction to fibrosis. It plays a pivotal role in promoting cell migration and aiding tissue repair post-injury, contributing significantly to various pathophysiological processes including revascularization, bone formation, developmental morphological changes, inflammatory arthritis, and the progression of cancer. Significantly, researchers have observed marked expression of CTHRC1 across a variety of fibrotic conditions, closely associating it with the progression of the disease. Intervention with CTHRC1 can affect the occurrence and progression of fibrosis. This review aims to comprehensively explore the role and underlying mechanisms of CTHRC1 in fibrotic diseases, highlighting its potential as a key target for therapeutic interventions.