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Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein activates fibroblasts through β1 integrin signaling

ABSTRACT: Fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by persistent fibroblast activation and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP), an ECM-associated protein that binds fibrillar collagen, is upregulated in fibrotic tissues and promotes fibroblast differentiation through canonical TGFβ receptor I signaling. We hypothesized that when presented within the collagen matrix, ACLP engages mechanically driven signaling pathway that contribute to fibroblast activation. Here, we identified a previously unrecognized mechanism through which collagen-bound ACLP activates fibroblasts via β1 integrin-mediated signaling. Collagen-bound ACLP induced rapid fibroblast spreading, increased β1 integrin activation, and promoted focal adhesion maturation. These early adhesion events were followed by elevated activation of the GTPases RhoA and Rac1, with enhanced F-actin assembly and nuclear accumulation of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTFA), a key regulator of activated fibroblast gene expression. Transcriptomic profiling revealed enrichment of focal adhesion, ECM–receptor interaction, and actin cytoskeletal gene pathways in response to collagen-bound ACLP. These findings establish collagen-bound ACLP as an ECM-derived cue that links matrix composition to fibroblast activation pathways.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE312027 | GEO | 2026/03/31

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Col1a1 is located on mouse distal chromosome 11 (Celera 94607393-94622990bp; 15kb) and encodes type I procollagen that associates stoichiometrically with col1a2 in forming secreted type I mature collagen that self-assembles into a supramolecular fibrillar structure consisting of a protein family. Type I collagens are predominantly enriched in bone, cartilage, skin, tendons, and eye (i.e. in major fibrous tissues) making up the main extracellular matrix (ECM) component for support and scaffolding purposes. Col1a1 is known to be expressed in the embryo (E9.5; Northern dot blot), perioptic mesenchyme (E11), cornea (E11), skeleton (E14.5), brain meninges (E14.5), and cartilage (E14.5) at relatively early stages. Most evidence of type I collagen function is coupled to the latter stages of skeletal development, thus bypassing the major events of axis formation, tissue differentiation, and mesenchlymal-epithial interactions, for example, that are more symbolic of morphogens and growth factors. Members of the integrin cell surface receptor family of molecules mediate cell adhesion to ECM proteins such as collagen (mainly to type IV basement membrane collagen that forms into a polygonal meshwork), fibronectin, and laminin implicated in wound healing and inflammatory responses (e.g. Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis) in connective tissues. There is some evidence for protein-protein interactions between leukocyte-associated integrins and the interstitial matrix in promoting the migration and/or activation of extravasated leukocytes (e.g., T cells and monocytes) within the perivascular compartment, an ECM-rich environment. This region is surmised to be an important location where certain human leukocytes undergo differentiation (e.g. monocytes) and activation (neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes) upon extravascular migration. The von Willebrand factor (vWF), type C motif is found in various plasma proteins like complement factors, the integrins, collagen types, and other extracellular proteins. Thus, the majority of vWF-containing proteins are extracellular and a common feature appears to be involvement in multi protein complexes participating in numerous biological events (e.g. cell adhesion, migration, homing, pattern formation, and signal transduction). Three organs (lung, heart and bone) of 5 AGA002 mutant mice (age 2x 10 days and 3x 11 days) were analysed by cDNA microarray technology. As reference five mice, 11 days old were used 50% of the chip hybridisations are dye swap experiments.

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Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein activates fibroblasts through β1 integrin signaling

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