Time-sequential fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition in elastin-variable 3D hydrogel environments by collagen networks.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fibrosis plays an important role in both normal physiological and pathological phenomena as fibroblasts differentiate to myofibroblasts. The activation of fibroblasts is determined through interactions with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). However, how this fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) is regulated and affected by elastin concentration in a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment has not been investigated.

Methods

We developed an insoluble elastin-gradient 3D hydrogel system for long-lasting cell culture and studied the molecular mechanisms of the FMT in embedded cells by nanoflow LC-MS/MS analysis along with validation through real-time PCR and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

By optimizing pH and temperature, four 3D hydroge

SUBMITTER: Do NT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10583321 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature