Versican V1 Overexpression Induces a Myofibroblast-Like Phenotype in Cultured Fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Versican, a chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan, is one of the key components of the provisional extracellular matrix expressed after injury. The current study evaluated the hypothesis that a versican-rich matrix alters the phenotype of cultured fibroblasts.

Methods and results

The full-length cDNA for the V1 isoform of human versican was cloned and the recombinant proteoglycan was expressed in murine fibroblasts. Versican expression induced a marked change in fibroblast phenotype. Functionally, the versican-expressing fibroblasts proliferated faster and displayed enhanced cell adhesion, but migrated slower than control cells. These changes in cell function were associated with greater N-cadherin and integrin β1 expression, along with increased FAK phosphorylation.

SUBMITTER: Carthy JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4503433 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature