Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) regulates TGF-β₁-induced differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic lung diseases such as asthma, COPD and pulmonary fibrosis are characterized by abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. TGF-β is a key mediator stimulating ECM production by recruiting and activating lung fibroblasts and initiating their differentiation process into more active myofibroblasts. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) regulates various intracellular signalling pathways; its role in TGF-β₁-induced myofibroblast differentiation is currently largely unknown.

Purpose

To determine the contribution of GSK-3 signalling in TGF-β₁-induced myofibroblast differentiation.

Experimental approach

We used MRC5 human lung fibroblasts and primary pulmonary fibroblasts of individuals with and without COPD. Protein and mRNA expression were determined by

SUBMITTER: Baarsma HA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3682707 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature