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Increased metabolic activity of fibroblasts derived from cords compared with nodule fibroblasts sampling from patients with Dupuytren's contracture.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of Dupuytren's contracture is characterized by progress in several stages. The disease process includes two structurally distinct fibrotic elements, the so-called nodule and the cord. Several hypotheses have been proposed regarding the cause. Until now, there has been ongoing discussion regarding whether cords or nodules are the primary source of the disease. METHODS: Tissues from 24 patients with Dupuytren's disease were obtained during hand surgery, providing samples from nodules and cords for cell culture. Tissue from the flexor retinaculum excised from healthy patients during surgical procedures on the hand served as control. By using the explant culture technique, fibroblasts were isolated and grown in standard medium. Besides morphological analysis, XTT proliferation tests were performed at various time periods to measure the metabolic activity of the cultivated fibroblasts. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences of nodule- and cord-derived fibroblasts after 1 hour (p = 0.0150), 8 hours (p < 0.0001), and 16 hours (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The authors suggest that distinct proliferative properties of Dupuytren-derived fibroblasts are dependent on the cells' origin. Conclusions about the cause or pathogenesis cannot yet be drawn. Further investigation concerning their apparently different fibroproliferative properties is necessary.

Cells, Cultured↗

Collagen synthesis by human skin fibroblasts in culture: studies of fibroblasts explanted from papillary and reticular dermis.

Matched human skin fibroblast cultures were established from papillary and reticular dermis. Papillary dermal fibroblasts exhibited increased plating efficiency, exponential growth, and confluent density when compared with their matched reticular dermal cultures. Collagen synthesis by these cells, however, was essentially similar regardless of their origin. Relative collagen synthesis was similar at confluent densities. No differences in type specific collagen synthesis could be detected; relative amounts of types I and III collagens in culture media and types I, III, and AB collagens in the cellular pellet were similar. Type I pC collagen was consistently elevated in culture media from reticular dermal fibroblasts when compared to papillary dermal fibroblasts. The significance of this difference in procollagen processing is unknown.

Adult↗

In vitro proliferation and adhesion of basic fibroblast growth factor-producing fibroblasts on platinum coils.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the growth and adhesion characteristics in vitro of genetically modified, basic fibroblast growth factor-producing fibroblasts on platinum detachable coils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coils of two sizes were coated with laminin, poly-L-lysine, fibronectin, and type I and type IV collagen and were cultured with basic fibroblast growth factor-secreting fibroblasts. Type I collagen strands were inserted in the lumen of some coils. Cellular proliferation and adherence during passage of coils through microcatheters were studied with both light and scanning electron microscopy. Growth factor concentration in the culture medium was measured. RESULTS: Rapid cellular proliferation was noted on all coated coils except those coated with type IV collagen. Proliferation on uncoated coils was slightly slower than on most coated coils, although confluent cell layers were present on uncoated larger-diameter coils within 48 hours. Cells had a marked propensity to grow between the primary coil windings into the coil lumen, except in coils that contained collagen filaments. Passage through microcatheters caused widespread stripping of cells from the outer surface of coils, especially the uncoated samples. Viable cells remained in the coil lumen. Supernatant contained high concentrations of growth factor. CONCLUSION: Platinum embolic coils are a promising mechanism of cell delivery for stimulation of scar formation or other desirable biologic effects.

3T3 Cells↗

Fibroblasts of rabbit kidney in culture. II. Paracrine stimulation of papillary fibroblasts by PDGF.

To examine the role of tubulointerstitial cell interaction in the regulation of fibroblast growth, fibroblasts from the rabbit renal cortex (CF) and papilla (PF) were cocultured with epithelial cells from the same tissue location. Inner medullary collecting duct epithelial cells (IMCDE) or IMCDE-conditioned medium stimulated DNA synthesis in PF, whereas proximal tubule epithelium (PTE) had no effect on the proliferation of CF. PF and CF showed a similar mitogenic response to exogenous epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I). Transforming growth factor-beta 1 inhibited growth of both cell types, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) had no effect on proliferation of either cell type. In contrast, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was a potent mitogen for PF but was only weakly mitogenic for CF. Both CF and PF expressed a similar number of a single-affinity class of PDGF receptors (Kd, 2-4 x 10(-10) M). Assay for growth factor activity in conditioned medium from IMCDE and PTE showed that only IMCDE produced detectable PDGF. IMCDE-stimulated proliferation of PF was partially blocked by an antibody to PDGF, whereas antibodies to IGF-I had no neutralizing effect. The data suggest a role for PDGF in the regulation of interstitial fibroblast proliferation by IMCDE in the renal papilla. This paracrine system may be important in the pathogenesis of some forms of interstitial fibrosis of the kidney.

Animals↗

Increased collagen synthesis by scleroderma skin fibroblasts in vitro: a possible defect in the regulation or activation of the scleroderma fibroblast.

Cultures of dividing skin fibroblasts from normal and sclerodermatous human skin have permitted estimations of soluble collagen concentration, net collagen accumulation, cell-doubling times, and the comparison of morphologic and ultrastructural characteristics. In vitro, the scleroderma fibroblast produces more soluble collagen, synthesizes collagen more rapidly, and fourfold more of its protein synthetic activity is directed to collagen production than in the normal skin fibroblast. Cell-doubling times and morphologic and ultrastructural observations of cells in culture have not provided clues to the nature of the biologic defect in the regulation or activation of collagen synthesis by the scleroderma fibroblast.

Carbon Radioisotopes↗

Direct interaction between gingival fibroblasts and lymphoid cells induces inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in gingival fibroblasts.

In inflamed periodontal lesions, dense infiltration of lymphocytes is usually observed in the extravascular periodontal connective tissue, adjacent to gingival fibroblasts. Our previous study revealed that activated lymphocytes can adhesively interact with gingival fibroblasts in vitro. In the present study, we investigated whether gingival fibroblasts are activated through direct interaction with lymphoid cells by monitoring the expression of inflammatory cytokine mRNA in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Co-culture with various human lymphoid cells in vitro resulted in a marked increase in the expression of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 mRNA by the HGF. In addition, expression of the mRNA of the IL-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE), which is essential to produce the mature form of IL-1beta, was constitutively observed in the HGF, suggesting that mature IL-1beta is produced by these cells. When HGF were cultured with the culture supernatant of the lymphoid cells, the increase in the inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression was not observed. Similarly, when HGF and lymphoid cells were cultured in the same well but separated by a membrane which prevented direct contact between the cells, no increase in inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression was observed. These results strongly indicate that direct interaction between these heterotypic cell types transduces activation signals into HGF that induce an increase in inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression. Furthermore, IL-1beta mRNA expression in the HGF was synergistically increased when HGF directly interacted with lymphoid cells in the presence of exogeneous IL-1beta. The present study demonstrates that direct interaction between HGF and lymphoid cells stimulates HGF to increase inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression, and raises the possibility that heterotypic cell-cell interaction may facilitate local inflammatory reactions.

Caspase 1↗

Fibroblast biology. Signals targeting the synovial fibroblast in arthritis.

Fibroblast-like cells in the synovial lining (type B lining cells), stroma and pannus tissue are targeted by many signals, such as the following: ligands binding to cell surface receptors; lipid soluble, small molecular weight mediators (eg nitric oxide [NO], prostaglandins, carbon monoxide); extracellular matrix (ECM)-cell interactions; and direct cell-cell contacts, including gap junctional intercellular communication. Joints are subjected to cyclic mechanical loading and shear forces. Adherence and mechanical forces affect fibroblasts via the ECM (including the hyaluronan fluid phase matrix) and the pericellular matrix (eg extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer [EMMPRIN]) matrices, thus modulating fibroblast migration, adherence, proliferation, programmed cell death (including anoikis), synthesis or degradation of ECM, and production of various cytokines and other mediators [1]. Aggressive, transformed or transfected mesenchymal cells containing proto-oncogenes can act in the absence of lymphocytes, but whether these cells represent regressed fibroblasts, chondrocytes or bone marrow stem cells is unclear.

Animals↗

Recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase corrects acid alpha-glucosidase-deficient human fibroblasts, quail fibroblasts, and quail myoblasts.

Acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency causes Pompe disease, a lethal lysosomal glycogen storage disease for which no effective treatment currently exists. We investigated the endocytic process in deficient cells of human recombinant GAA produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and the potential of GAA-deficient Japanese acid maltase-deficient quail as a model for evaluating the enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease. After 24-h incubation with a single dose of recombinant enzyme, intracellular GAA and glycogen levels in deficient human fibroblasts were normalized, and this correction lasted for 7 d. The 110-kD precursor recombinant enzyme was processed to the 76-kD mature form within 24 h after uptake. Intracellular GAA levels in deficient quail fibroblasts and myoblasts were similarly corrected to their average normal levels within 24 h. Differences existed in the efficiency of endocytosis among subfractions of the enzyme, and among different cell types. Fractions with a larger proportion of precursor GAA were endocytosed more efficiently. Quail fibroblasts required a higher dose, 4200 nmol.h-1.mL-1 to normalize intracellular GAA levels than human fibroblasts, 1290 nmol.h-1.mL-1, whereas primary quail myoblasts required 2800 nmol.h-1.mL-1. In all three cell lines, the endocytosed enzyme localized to the lysosomes on immunofluorescence staining, and the endocytosis was inhibited by mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) added to the culture medium. Despite structural differences in Man-6-P receptors between birds and mammals, these studies illustrate that Man-6-P receptor mediated endocytosis is present in quail muscle cells, and demonstrate the potential of acid maltase-deficient quail to test receptor mediated enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease.

Animals↗

Optimization of electroporation for transfection of human fibroblast cell lines with origin-defective SV40 DNA: development of human transformed fibroblast cell lines with mucopolysaccharidoses (I-VII)

To simplify the process of transfection of human fibroblasts and to acquire a suitable number of transformants, we investigated experimental conditions of electric pulse-induced transfection of human fibroblasts using origin-defective simian virus 40 DNA (SV40 (ori-) DNA). Voltage, pulse duration, number of pulses and the concentration of SV40 (ori-) DNA led to the formation of 10 to 30 foci/25 cm2 6 weeks after transfection, using 2 to 3 x 10(6) cells and a square wave pulse generator. Optimal condition was determined to be 2 or 3 pulses at a voltage of 1500 to 2000 V/0.4 cm with 30 microseconds pulse width, using 2 micrograms of linearized SV40 (ori-) DNA. With this approach we developed human transformed fibroblasts cell lines with all types of mucopolysaccharidoses. The transformed fibroblasts grew rapidly and the saturation density exceeded that of the parental cells. All the transformed cell clones expressed T antigen, and deficiency in specific enzymes was conserved. A point mutation which occurred in the human beta-glucuronidase gene in a patient with mucopolysaccharidosis type VII was also conserved.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Phosphorylation of lysosomal enzymes in fibroblasts. Marked deficiency of N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase in fibroblasts of patients with mucolipidosis III.

N-Acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase activity was assayed in human skin fibroblasts using [beta-32P]UDP-N-acetylglucosamine as donor and dephosphorylated beta-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidase as acceptor. An optimal transfer rate of N-acetylglucosamine 1-phosphate required CDP-choline and ADP in order to inhibit the breakdown of [beta-32P]UDP-N-acetylglucosamine and a combination of leupeptin and iodoacetamide to protect the transferase. The transferase required Mg2 or Mn2. Using doubly labelled UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, simultaneous transfer of N-acetyl-[6-3H]glucosamine and [32P]phosphate to endogenous acceptors was demonstrated. Membranes prepared from fibroblasts from patients with mucolipidosis III were defective in transfer of N-acetylglucosamine 1-phosphate. A residual transferase activity of less than 10% of controls was detectable in fibroblast membranes of eight patients with mucolipidosis III. In membranes from fibroblasts from patients with mucolipidosis II,N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase activity was not detectable. Our results indicate that the primary defect in mucolipidoses II and III is a deficiency in N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase, the residual activity being higher in mucolipidosis III than in mucolipidosis II.

Cell Membrane↗

Comparative functional study of the lysyl oxidase promoter in fibroblasts, Ras-transformed fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells.

The promoter activity of lysyl oxidase (LOX), the enzyme involved in collagen and elastin cross-linking and in tumor suppression, was compared in extracellular matrix producing cells and in tumorigenic c-Ha-ras-NIH-3T3 fibroblasts (RS485). The full 2 kb murine LOX promoter was very active in 3T6-5 myofibroblast-like cells (MFLC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) and was inhibited in ras-transformed fibroblasts. Positive cis-acting elements were located around sites of transcription initiation in MFLC and SMC, but neither in RS485 fibroblasts nor in their non-transformed counterparts. The main positive cis-acting segment, at positions -808 to -585, was active in all cells, with the strongest activity in MFLC and SMC, and one segment, at positions -758 to -726, allowed the formation of one master DNA-protein complex with nuclear factors from all cells. The main inhibiting region, at positions -1,362 to -1,176, was active in all fibroblasts, but not in SMC, in an upstream position or in an enhancer/silencer position. This region carries two segments, called LOcoll and LOcol2 for their similarity to COL1A1 and COL1A2 promoter sequences, that were involved in the formation of a large multifactorial DNA complex with nuclear factors from all cells, though slightly for SMC. Another region, carrying a putative interferon response element (IRF) at positions -898 to -886, acted negatively on each type of cells. In conclusion, the LOX promoter is controlled by cross-talk between positive and negative cis-acting regions that are differentially active in various cells. The -758 to -726 region, with its putative C/EBP site, and the transcription initiation region are likely to play a master role in activating the LOX promoter in fibrocompetent MFLC and SMC. While the LOcol1/2 segment, with putative B-Myb binding sites, and the IRF carrying region, work negatively on the LOX promoter in transformed cells.

3T3 Cells↗

[Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies of clonal cell lines in fibroblasts derived from human periodontal ligaments--establishment of clonal cell lines in fibroblasts from periodontal ligaments].

It has recently been suggested that fibroblasts in periodontal ligaments have cytochemical characteristics similar to those of osteoblasts and different from those of other connective tissues. The authors isolated clonal cell lines of fibroblast-like cells from human periodontal ligaments in order to clarify their nature. Digestion with collagenase and hyaluronidase was used to isolate the cells from a human periodontal ligament. The cells were then plated in a 96-hole microplate. A single cell in a conditioned medium containing 20%FBS was placed in each hole. From these single cells large colonies ware subcultured. Subculturing was done every 8 days until more than 20 successive generations had been produced. The method developed by Lowry et al. was used to determine the ALPase activity of the cultured cells. From the 768 cells cultured from human periodontal ligament, 7 clonal cell lines were isolated in vitro. Cultures of these clonal cell lines resulted in typical, spindle-shaped, fibroblast-like cells, all of which were homogeneous. Very high ALPase activity was observed in 4 of the 7 cell lines. Enzyme reaction products occurred mainly along cell membranes. These stable clonal cell lines provide suitable systems for in vitro studies related to morphological and functional analysis of fibroblasts in the periodontal ligament.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

13-cis retinoic acid and dexamethasone modulate the gene expression of epidermal growth factor receptor and fibroblast proteoglycan 40 core protein in human skin fibroblasts.

The effects of 13-cis retinoic acid (RA) and dexamethasone on the levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and fibroblast derived proteoglycan core protein (PG40) mRNAs were studied in human skin fibroblasts. The EGF receptor is involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation and the synthesis of matrix proteins, and proteoglycan 40 is important for cell attachment and interaction with collagen and fibronectin. 13-cis-RA at a concentration of 10(-7) M markedly reduced the levels of the EGF receptor and PG40 mRNAs, the decreases being 33 and 56%, respectively. Dexamethasone reduced these mRNAs markedly less. Simultaneous treatment of the fibroblasts with 13-cis-RA and dexamethasone resulted in similar decreases in EGF receptor and PG40 mRNAs as with 13-cis-RA alone. Surprisingly, the proliferation rate of the fibroblasts was increased in the presence of dexamethasone under conditions similar to those which caused slight decrease in the EGF receptor mRNA levels. This indicates that glucocorticoids also affect the cellular growth by mechanisms which do not involve EGF receptors.

Aggrecans↗

Homocystinuria: biogenesis of cystathionine beta-synthase subunits in cultured fibroblasts and in an in vitro translation system programmed with fibroblast messenger RNA.

Rabbit antiserum raised against pure human hepatic cystathionine beta-synthase was used to precipitate synthase from extracts of radiolabeled cultured fibroblasts derived from 17 homocystinuric patients and two controls. Size analysis of the immunoprecipitates by SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that 15 of the 17 synthase-deficient lines synthesized synthase subunits indistinguishable in size from the control (Mr = 63,000). One mutant fibroblast line, previously shown to lack catalytic activity and antigenically cross-reacting material, contained no immunoprecipitable product. Analyses of immunoprecipitated polypeptides synthesized in vitro by cell-free translation of mRNAs prepared from selected mutants confirmed and extended the results from cell extracts. This experimental approach also allowed us to determine the biochemical and genetic defect in a patient with barely detectable synthase subunits in cell extracts. His cultured fibroblasts and those of his father contained two mRNA species, separable by size, coding for equal amounts of two immunoprecipitable polypeptides: one of normal size (Mr = 63,000); the other approximately 7,000 daltons smaller (Mr = 56,000). His mother's fibroblasts made only the Mr = 63,000 species. We conclude that this patient is a compound heterozygote, and that one of his mutant alleles results in the synthesis of a synthase polypeptide missing about 60 amino acid residues.

Cells, Cultured↗

Rate of sister chromatid exchanges in Bloom syndrome fibroblasts reduced by co-cultivation with normal fibroblasts.

Six strains of Bloom syndrome (BlS) fibroblasts responded to co-cultivation with normal fibroblasts at a 1:2 ratio by a reduced rate of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE's) from a mean of 67.5 (range = 59--78) to 28.4 (range = 21--35). The response was dose-dependent in one strain tested at 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 ratios. In addition, quadriradial exchange figures and other signs of increased chromosomal instability were not found in BlS cells following co-cultivation with control cells. Control cells did not respond to BlS cells and maintained a normal rate of SCEs. Culture medium conditioned for 48 hrs by normal fibroblasts could also reduce the rate of SCEs in BlS fibroblasts, but less than in co-cultivation. We suggest that the reduced rate of SCEs and the lack of chromosomal instability in BlS cells following co-cultivation represent a corrective effect that is related to the basic defect and not dependent on cell-to-cell contact.

Adolescent↗

Transforming growth factor beta-treated normal fibroblasts eliminate transformed fibroblasts by induction of apoptosis.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) induces normal fibroblasts to perform an inhibitory effect directed against transformed cells (P. Höfler, I. Wehrle, and G. Bauer, Int. J. Cancer, 54: 125-130, 1993). Coculture of normal fibroblasts with transformed cells, either resistant to G 418 or expressing Mx antigen detectable by specific immunofluorescence, allowed discrimination between three theoretical mechanisms of inhibition: irreversible inhibition of proliferation; reversion to the nontransformed phenotype; or elimination of transformed cells. Our data demonstrate that normal fibroblasts treated with TGF-beta are able to eliminate transformed cells by induction of apoptosis. Sensitivity against TGF-beta-induced elimination seems to be a general feature of in vitro-transformed cell lines. TGF-beta-induced elimination of transformed fibroblasts by their untransformed counterparts is proposed as a potential potent control point in carcinogenesis, which may lead to the suppression of transformed cells.

3T3 Cells↗

Upregulated expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mediates enhanced mitogenic responses to FGFs in cultured human lung fibroblasts.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a multifunctional cytokine that induces mesenchymal cell proliferation in vivo while inhibiting growth of most cells directly via serine-threonine receptor(s) binding/activation in vitro. In this study, the ability of TGF-beta1 to regulate the receptor expression of classical mitogenic growth factors that bind receptor tyrosine kinases was examined. TGF-beta1 markedly increased the protein expression of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors FGFR-1 (Flg) and FGFR-2 (Bek) in a time- and dose-dependent manner in human lung fibroblasts. This resulted in a potentiation of the mitogenic response of multiple FGF ligands that bind to these receptors. TGF-beta1 had no effect on epidermal growth factor (EGF) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-beta receptor expression and the mitogenic responses mediated by specific ligands for these receptors were not increased. These results demonstrate a novel action of TGF-beta1 to selectively upregulate the expression of FGF receptor family members leading to enhanced mitogenesis by FGFs.

Animals↗

Fibroblast growth factor receptors 1 and 2 are differentially regulated in murine embryonal carcinoma cells and in response to fibroblast growth factor-4.

We have studied the expression of two of the receptors for fibroblast growth factors, FGFR-1 and FGFR-2, in response to ligand binding and in embryonal carcinoma (EC cells). Exposure of mouse fibroblasts to FGF-4 or FGF-2 results in a drastic downregulation of the mRNA levels for FGFR-2, while expression of FGFR-1 mRNA appears unaffected. Furthermore, FGF-4 transformed cells display low levels of FGFR-2 mRNA and these levels are significantly increased by treatment with anti FGF-4 neutralizing antibodies. In undifferentiated F9 EC cells, the levels of FGFR-2 mRNA are very low and increase substantially upon induction of differentiation. The levels of mRNA for FGFR-1 are again unaffected. To gain information on the regulation of expression of the gene encoding FGFR-2 (bek) we have cloned the FGFR-2 promoter region and used it to drive the expression of plasmids encoding the bacterial CAT enzyme. Transfection of these plasmids into FGF treated and untreated cells did not produce significant variation in CAT activity, suggesting that FGFR-2 downregulation in response to ligand binding occurs mainly by a post-transcriptional mechanism. In contrast, plasmids containing as little as 140 nt of the FGFR-2 promoter region were regulated in F9 cells, showing substantially higher expression in differentiated than in undifferentiated cells. It appears therefore that FGFR-2 expression in fibroblasts and EC cells is regulated by somewhat different mechanisms. In contrast, FGFR-1 expression does not vary substantially under the conditions shown to affect FGFR-2 expression. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Animals↗