Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms at the Proliferation Stage in Wound Healing: From Scarring to Tissue Regeneration

Wound healing can be divided into four overlapping stages: homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. It is a complex physiological reaction in our body to tissue injury that can lead to the impairment of the original organ functions depending on the area of tissue injury. Many cell types participate in the wound healing process, including but not limited to, tissue resident cells, cells of the immune system, vascular cells, fibroblasts and tissue progenitor/stem cells. However, the cellular and molecular regulatory mechanisms of wound healing are not yet fully identified. In the proliferation stage, granulation tissues develop accompanied by matrix deposition and neovascularization, which lead to proper regenerative responses including epithelialization. If this reaction is impaired, then scar formation and non-regenerative healing may occur, in which case many of aggravating factors, such as growth factors, inflammation and tensile forces, are involved. Therefore, in this Research Topic, we would like to focus on the quality and quantity of proliferated granulation tissue.

The objective of this Research Topic is to discuss and critically assess recent findings in the cellular and molecular mechanisms of wound healing at the stage of proliferation, particularly, the secretion of various growth factors and cytokines, initiation of angiogenesis and deposition of matrix components during granulation. In addition, we would also like to concentrate on new approaches to improve tissue regeneration. Thus, the following two key areas are the focus for this Research Topic:

1. Recent discoveries in the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the proliferation stage of wound healing.
2. New approaches in modulating proliferation stage of wound healing for improving tissue regeneration and reducing scar formation.

In this Research Topic, we welcome Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Reviews and Mini-Reviews focusing on:

• Molecular and cellular mechanisms by which cells and their secreted factors mediate their effects in the proliferation stage of wound healing.
• New therapeutic approaches, including but not limited to, growth factors/cytokines and various cells, including progenitor/stem cells, for modulating the events in the proliferation stage of wound healing.
• Biomaterials and drug delivery systems for modifying the proliferation stage of wound healing in order to improve tissue regeneration, create functional tissue and reduce scarring.

We welcome your articles in this exciting wound healing field!