Negative regulation of myofibroblast differentiation by PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted on chromosome 10).

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Myofibroblasts are primary effector cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Defining mechanisms of myofibroblast differentiation may be critical to the development of novel therapeutic agents.

Objective

To show that myofibroblast differentiation is regulated by phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) activity in vivo, and to identify a potential mechanism by which this occurs.

Methods

We used tissue sections of surgical lung biopsies from patients with IPF to localize expression of PTEN and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). We used cell culture of pten(-/-) and wild-type fibroblasts, as well as adenoviral strategies and pharmacologic inhibitors, to determine the mechanism by which PTEN inhibits alpha-SMA, fibroblast prolifer

SUBMITTER: White ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1434700 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature