The ontogeny of scarless healing II: EGF and PDGF-B gene expression in fetal rat skin and fibroblasts as a function of gestational age

Twenty years ago, surgeons noted the ability of early-gestation fetal skin to heal in a scarless manner. Since that time, numerous investigators have attempted to elucidate the mechanisms behind this phenomenon. As a result of this effort, it is now well established that many animals undergo a transition late in development from scarless cutaneous healing to a scar-forming, adultlike phenotype. The authors have been interested in the role played by cytokines known to be involved in the adult wound-healing process and how they relate to scarless repair. They therefore asked the following question: Are genes for epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) expressed differentially as a function of gestational age in fetal rat skin and dermal fibroblasts? To answer this question, skin from fetal Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 56) at time points that represented both the scarless and scar-forming periods of rat gestation was harvested. In addition, fibroblasts derived from fetal rat skin were cultured in vitro at similar times. These cells were expanded in culture and, when confluent, total ribonucleic acid from both fibroblasts and whole skin was extracted and subjected to Northern blot analysis with probes for EGF and PDGF-B. Results demonstrated that neither EGF nor PDGF-B gene expression changed markedly as a function of gestational age in fetal fibroblasts alone. In whole skin, however, both EGF and PDGF-B demonstrated a marked decrease in gene expression with increasing gestational age. Furthermore, the most striking decrease in gene expression for both cytokines came between 16 and 18 days of gestation-the transition point between scarless and scar-forming repair in the fetal rat. These data suggest that EGF and PDGF may play a role in the mechanism of scarless cutaneous repair. Moreover, it appears that fetal fibroblasts are not the cell type responsible for this differential gene expression. These results raise questions about the unique cytokine milieu likely to be present during the time of scarless healing and the cells that ultimately guide the mechanisms leading to skin regeneration.     

胎儿和少儿皮肤内碱性成纤维细胞生长因子及其受体的基因表达

目的　探讨不同胎龄的胎儿和少儿皮肤中碱性成纤维细胞生长因子 (bFGF)及其两种受体 (bek和flg)基因表达的变化。 方法　提取 18例不同胎龄 ( 13～ 3 2周 )的胎儿皮肤和 6例少儿皮肤的总RNA后 ,分离mRNA ,用逆转录 聚合酶链反应 (RT PCR)方法检测这 3种基因在不同组织中的表达。结果　在早期妊娠胎儿的皮肤中 ,bFGF ,flg和bek基因表达较强 ,随着胎儿的生长和发育 ,皮肤组织内这 3种基因表达逐渐降低 ,在少儿皮肤中 3种基因的表达量分别为晚期妊娠胎儿皮肤的 62 .5 % ,5 9.5 %和 5 2 .9% ,基因表达显著降低 ( P <0 .0 5 )。结论　bFGF及其受体基因可能在皮肤的发生、结构功能的维持以及伤后修复中起重要作用。这 3种基因在胎儿皮肤中表达水平较高可能与胎儿皮肤细胞增殖较快 ,皮肤创面愈合迅速有关。     

Analysis of differentially expressed genes in fetal skin of scarless and scar-forming periods of gestational rats

Objective: To study the differences of gene expression between earlier gestational skin and later gestational skin of rats with the aids of single primer amplification (SPA) and high-density oligonucleotide DNA array to understand the molecular mechanism of scarless healing. Methods: Total RNAs were isolated from fetal rat skin of the scarless (E15) and scar-forming (E18) periods of gestation (term =21.5 days). The RNAs from earlier gestational skin (EGS) and later gestational skin (LGS) were both reversely transcribed to cDNAs, then labeled with the incorporation of fluorescent dCTP for preparing the hybridization probes by SPA method. The mixed probes were then hybridized to the oligonucleotide DNA arrays which contained 5 705 probes representing 5 705 rat genes. After highly stringent washing, these DNA arrays were scanned for fluorescent signals to display the differentially expressed genes between the 2 groups of skin. Results: Among 5 705 rat genes, there were 53 genes (0.93%) with differentially expressed levels between EGS and LGS groups, 27 genes, including fibroblast growth factor 2 ( FGF2 ) and follistatin were up-regulated (0.47%) and 26 genes were down-regulated (0.46%) in fetal skin during scarless period versus scar-forming period. Higher expressions of FGF2 and follistatin in EGS than those in LGS were also revealed by RT-PCR method. Conclusions: High-density oligonucleotide DNA array provided a powerful tool for investigating differential gene expression in earlier and later gestational fetal skins. This technology validates that the mechanism of fetal scarless healing is very complicate and the change of many gene expressions is associated with fetal scarless healing.     

胎儿和成人皮肤及其创面愈合过程中碱性成纤维细胞生长因子的表达及意义

目的　探讨胎儿和成人皮肤及其创面愈合过程中碱性成纤维细胞生长因子 (b FGF)的表达及其意义。方法　将孕龄 2 0～ 2 4周胎儿皮肤移植至 BAL B/ C裸鼠背部皮下 ,皮片成活后制造创面 ,建立胎儿无瘢痕愈合动物模型 ,定期获取相应标本。对临床所取正常成人皮肤及创面愈合皮肤标本 ,采用免疫组织化学染色方法 ,观察 b FGF的表达情况。　结果　正常胎儿皮肤及创伤后胎儿皮肤中均未见明显的 b FGF阳性表达。正常成人皮肤中血管周围可见阳性表达 ;创伤后成人皮肤也可见阳性表达 ,尤其成纤维细胞和血管内皮细胞创伤后表达明显增强。高倍镜视野随机观察计数b FGF阳性表达细胞数 ,正常胎儿皮肤为 2 .1± 0 .1,创伤后 12小时 ,1、3天和 1周胎儿皮肤分别为 2 .2± 0 .1、2 .1± 0 .3、2 .1± 0 .3和 2 .0± 0 .1;正常成人皮肤为 2 3.2± 4 .2 ,创伤后成人皮肤为 4 0 .5± 3.6 ,胎儿正常皮肤和创伤皮肤 b FGF表达与正常成人皮肤和创伤后皮肤 b FGF表达比较 ,差异有统计学意义 (P<0 .0 1)。　结论　 b FGF的阴性表达可能是胎儿皮肤无瘢痕愈合的重要原因之一。     

Novel differences in the expression of inflammation‐associated genes between mid‐ and late‐gestational dermal fibroblasts

While cutaneous wounds of late‐gestational fetuses and on through adulthood result in scar formation, wounds incurred early in gestation have been shown to heal scarlessly. Unique properties of fetal fibroblasts are believed to mediate this scarless healing process. In this study, microarray analysis was used to identify differences in the gene expression profiles of cultured fibroblasts from embryonic day 15 (E15; midgestation) and embryonic day 18 (E18; late‐gestation) skin. Sixty‐two genes were differentially expressed and 12 of those genes are associated with inflammation, a process that correlates with scar formation in fetal wounds. One of the differentially expressed inflammatory genes was cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1). COX‐1 was more highly expressed in E18 fibroblasts than in E15 fibroblasts, and these differences were confirmed at the gene and protein level. Differences in COX‐1 protein expression were also observed in fetal skin by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining. The baseline differences in gene expression found in mid‐ and late‐gestational fetal fibroblasts suggest that developmental alterations in fibroblasts could be involved in the transition from scarless to fibrotic fetal wound healing. Furthermore, baseline differences in the expression of inflammatory genes by fibroblasts in E15 and E18 skin may contribute to inflammation and scar formation late in gestation.     

胎儿皮肤免疫细胞CD68、CD3的表达与无瘢痕愈合的关系

目的探讨人胎儿皮肤、正常成人皮肤及增生性瘢痕(HS)组织免疫细胞CD68、CD3与无瘢痕愈合的关系。方法选择笔者单位引产的16~33周胎龄的10例胎儿皮肤、7例正常成人皮肤以及18例HS标本,用免疫组织化学的方法分别检测其巨噬细胞、T淋巴细胞的表面标志CD68、CD3的表达。结果胎儿皮肤中CD68[(5±6)个/400倍视野]显著少于成人[(23±4)个/400倍视野,P<0.01],成人皮肤中CD68又显著少于HS[(38±16)个/400倍视野,P<0·01].随胎龄增加,CD68逐渐增多,在24~28周胎龄时迅速上升,28周以后上升缓慢。发育各期胎儿皮肤中均未见CD3;成人皮肤中可见少量CD3[(24±8)个/400倍视野],主要分布于表皮基底层;HS组织中CD3较多[(69±25)个/400倍视野],常聚集成片状,主要分布于真皮乳头层,在小血管周围呈袖套状分布,数量和染色强度大于成人皮肤(P<0.01).结论胎儿皮肤中CD68数量少可能与无瘢痕愈合存在一定的关系;同时胎儿皮肤无瘢痕愈合可能与胎儿皮肤中缺乏CD3有关。     

The expression characteristics and biological significance of bFGF, EGF,TGF-β isoforms and their receptors in skins from fetus and adult

To observe the localization and expression characteristics of alpha-smooth muscle actin (AS-MA), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) isoforms, and their receptors in fetal and adult skins in order to explore their potential biological significance.Methods: The expression and the distribution of ASMA, bFGF, EGF, TGF-βisoforms, and their receptors were detected with immunohistochemistry and histopathology methods in 36 skin specimens. Among them, 30 specimens belonged to fetuses at different developmental stages and 6 were from adults. Results:Positive immunohistochemical signals of ASMA, bFGF, EGF, and TGF-βisoforms and their receptors could be found in fetal and postnatal skins.These factors were mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix of epidermal cells, endothelial cells,hair follicle epithelial cells and some fibroblasts. Receptors of these factors were mostly located in the cellular membrane of the above mentioned cells, while protein particles of ASMA could be observed in myofibroblasts and sweat gland cells. Along with ascent in gestational age, the positive cellular rates of bFGF, EGF, TGF-βisoforms, their receptors, and ASMA in skin were elevated progressively. In skins specimens obtained from fetuses of late-trimester (29-31 week gestation) and adult, the positive rates of these proteins were significantly raised in comparison with skin of fetuses of early-trimester. Conclusion: The endogenous bFGF, EGF, three TGF-βisoforms and their receptors might be involved in the development of the skin in embryonic stage and in the cutaneous structure and function,and also wound healing in adult stage. The relative lack of these factors and their receptors might be one reason why the wound of fetus heal by regeneration rather than by scarring.     

Fetal wound healing current perspectives

Early in gestation, fetal wounds are capable of healing scarlessly. Scarless healing in the fetus is characterized by regeneration of an organized dermis with normal appendages and by a relative lack of inflammation. Although there is a transition period between scarless and scar-forming repair, scarless healing also depends on wound size and the organ involved. The ability to heal scarlessly, furthermore, appears to be intrinsic to fetal skin. Unique characteristics of fetal fibroblasts, inflammatory cells, extra-cellular matrix, cytokine profile, and developmental gene regulation may be responsible for the scarless phenotype of early gestation fetal wounds. With the current knowledge, only minimal success has been achieved with the topical application of neutralizing antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides, and growth factors to improve wound-healing outcomes. Thus, further investigation into the mechanisms underlying scarless repair is crucial in order to devise more effective therapies for scar reduction and the treatment of cirrhosis, scleroderma, and other diseases of excessive fibrosis.     

Leptin受体在人胚胎皮肤附件发育过程中的表达特征

目的:探讨Leptin受体在人胚胎皮肤形成和附件发育过程中的表达特点及可能的生物学意义。方法:取8-38周龄人胚胎的背部全层皮肤,制成石蜡切片．进行常规组织学观察和免疫组织化学染色(SP法),动态观察皮肤形成过程和附件发育过程中Leptin受体的表达特点。结果:胚胎8周开始,胎儿周皮已有Leptin受体表达,随后逐渐增强。至胚胎11-16周表达最强,尤其在附件原基中呈局灶性表达;胚胎22周后,Leptin受体的表达逐渐减弱,至胚胎31周后仅在皮脂腺中表达。结论:Leptin可能通过其受体参与皮肤附件的发育过程。     

Human fetal wound healing: a review of molecular and cellular aspects

The physiological answer to after birth skin lesions is scarring, which compromises the function and the aesthetics of the injured area. However, fetuses in early gestation (24 weeks or less) respond to this damage with skin regeneration. To explain this difference, several factors are considered, such as increased production of collagen III in fetal fibroblasts and increased presence of this collagen in the skins of these fetuses. Increased hyaluronic acid in fetal matrix correlates with greater capacity for migration of fibroblasts in scarless repair. The fact that myofibroblasts in the wound appear only after the fetal stage of pregnancy which forms scars can also be correlated. Additionally, there is an increase in the amount of adhesion molecules in repair without scarring, which would multiply cell adhesion and migration. Lower levels of bTGF1 in fetal wound are correlated with reduced amounts of collagen I and may be the result of higher relative expression of bTGF3, which downregulates bTGF1. Amniotic fluid itself might be a stimulating factor to human skin’s fibroblasts proliferation through cytokines such as bFGF and PDGF. A hypoxic environment in the fetal wound, associated with increased presence of Dot cells in blood, is also observed, and both facts can be related to a difference in the repair of the skin. Distinct gene expression guides those different responses and may also help to elucidate fetal skin regeneration. When the mechanisms responsible for the absence of scars in wounded fetuses are enlightened, it will be a significant mark in the studies of wound cicatrization and its therapeutic applications shall be extremely valuable.Level of evidence: Not ratable.     

不同发育时期胎儿皮肤中基质金属蛋白酶-9,2及金属蛋白酶-2抑制因子基因表达的变化

目的:研究基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)及其组织抑制因子(TIMP-2)在不同胎龄的胎儿皮肤中表达的变化特征及其可能的生物学意义.方法:用病理学技术检测不同发育时期胎儿皮肤的结构特征后,提取18例不同胎龄(13～33周)的胎儿皮肤总RNA后,分离mRNA,用RT-PCR方法检测这3种基因在不同组织中的表达变化规律.结果:MMP-9、MMP-2和TIMP-2基因在不同发育时期的胎儿皮肤组织中的表达变化规律相似.在早期妊娠胎儿皮肤中,这3种基因表达较弱,随着胎儿生长发育,MMP-9,MMp-2和TIMP-2基因表达逐渐增强,妊娠晚期的皮肤组织内,这3种基因表达产物的灰密度比值分别是妊娠早期的8.8、2.4和3.1倍,基因表达水平显著升高(P＜0.05).结论:MMP-9,2和TIMP-2对皮肤的生长发育、结构功能的维持以及创面修复具有重要的调节作用.妊娠早期,TIMP-2基因低表达可能与胎儿皮肤创面无瘢痕愈合相关,而妊娠晚期皮肤中TIMP-2基因表达增强可能是创面愈合后形成瘢痕的机制之一.     

增生性瘢痕中磷酸化P38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶和c-Jun蛋白的表达特征及其与瘢痕形成的关系

目的观察磷酸化P38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(P38MAPK)和c-Jun蛋白在增生性瘢痕组织中的表达特征及其影响瘢痕形成和成熟的机制. 方法取16例住院的增生性瘢痕患者的瘢痕组织,并将其分为生长活跃期组(形成时间在1年以内,含1年者)、生长稳定期组,每组各8例;另取正常皮肤8例.所有取材均未经任何治疗.用免疫组织化学方法和常规病理技术检测磷酸化P38MAPK和c-Jun 两种蛋白,在增生性瘢痕组织和正常皮肤组织中的表达和分布规律. 结果正常皮肤组织中,磷酸化P38MAPK主要分布于表皮基底层细胞的胞浆和胞核内,c-Jun蛋白则主要定位于表皮细胞和内皮细胞中,两种蛋白的阳性细胞率分别为21.3%±3.6%和33.4%±3.5%.在处于生长活跃期的增生性瘢痕组织中,磷酸化P38MAPK和c-Jun的阳性信号主要定位于表皮细胞和部分成纤维细胞内,阳性细胞率分别上升至69.5%±3.3%和59.6%±4.3%,明显高于正常皮肤组织(P＜0.01);而在成熟稳定的增生性瘢痕中,两种蛋白表达有所下降,但仍高于正常皮肤组织. 结论增生性瘢痕的形成和成熟可能与激活P38MAPK信号传递通路,影响c-Jun蛋白表达有关.     

Epidermal stem cells are the source of sweat glands in human fetal skin: Evidence of synergetic development of stem cells, sweat glands, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteinases

The development of sweat glands is a complex biological process, and the extent of cellular trafficking between epidermal stem cells and the development of sweat glands is uncertain. Therefore, we studied the synergetic development effects of stem cells, sweat glands, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human skin. Human fetal skin was obtained from spontaneously aborted fetuses at 11-31 weeks of gestation. Paraffin sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin or immunostained with antibodies against beta(1) integrin, keratin (K)-19 and K7, MMP-2 and -7, and epidermal growth factor. In situ hybridization was used along with semiquantitative analysis of the positive expression of these proteins to analyze for mRNA expression of MMP-2 and -7. Histological studies revealed the fetal epidermis began to form a primary epidermal ridge at gestational age 13-14 weeks and these primordial basal cells became tightly packed to take the form of multiple hillocks between 14 and 16 weeks. Furthermore, these cells gave rise to chord-like columnar buds in the embryonic epidermis, and these buds gradually migrated downward into the dermis to form juvenile sweat glands at 18-20 weeks. Mature sweat glands were found in the fetal epidermis at the end of 24 weeks. beta(1) integrin and K19 immunoreactivities were first detected in those cells that gathered together to form primary epidermal ridges, including sweat gland cords, buds, and immature sweat gland cells. The positive immunostaining for K7 appeared in early sweat gland buds at 14-16 weeks, and from then on K7 was concentrated in developing sweat gland cords or cells. At 14-16 weeks, positive epidermal growth factor, MMP-2, and MMP-7 expression was first observed weakly in developing sweat gland buds. The immunoreactivity of these proteins was then gradually increased in the developing sweat gland buds and extracellular stroma from 14 to 20 weeks. The intensity of the positive signal peaked at 20-22 weeks of gestational age. After that, the intensity of immunostaining for MMP-2 and MMP-7 proteins was gradually weakened. However, the expression of epidermal growth factor did not show an apparent decrease. These results suggest that epidermal stem cells are the source of sweat glands. Epidermal growth factor is one of the main inducers in the development and maturity of sweat gland buds or cells and the local activated MMPs may play an important role in cleaving the major matrix components in the basement membrane.     

The interaction between epidermal growth factor and matrix metalloproteinases induces the development of sweat glands in human fetal skin

BACKGROUND: The development of sweat glands is a very complicated biological process involving many factors. In this study, we explore the interrelationship among epidermal growth factor (EGF), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7), and the development of sweat glands in human embryos. Furthermore, we hope to elucidate the mechanism(s) underlying the induction of epidermal stem cells into sweat gland cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin biopsies of human embryos obtained from spontaneous abortions at different gestational ages from 11 to 31 weeks were used in this study. The dynamic expression of EGF, MMP-2, MMP-7, and keratin-7 (K7) in developing sweat gland cells or extracellular stroma surrounding the sweat gland cells was examined with SP immunohistochemical methods. The localization of the cellular sources of MMP-2 and MMP-7 was examined with in situ hybridization. RESULTS: At 14-20 weeks of gestation, a gradual increase in EGF immunoreactivity was observed not only in developing sweat gland buds but also in extracellular stroma surrounding the buds, and the expression intensity of EGF peaked at 20-22 weeks of gestational age. All mRNA-positive buds or cells in developing sweat glands contained corresponding immunoreactive proteins. Positive immunostaining for K7 appeared in early sweat gland buds at 14-16 weeks of gestation, and from then on, the positive signal of K7 was concentrated in developing sweat gland cords or cells. CONCLUSIONS: The morphogenesis of sweat glands in human fetal skin begins at 14-16 weeks of gestational age, and is essentially complete by 24 weeks. There is a close relationship among EGF, extracellular matrix remodeling, and morphogenesis of the sweat glands. EGF is one of the inducers in the development and maturity of sweat gland buds or cells.     

Fetal rat amniotic fluid: transforming growth factor beta and fibroblast collagen lattice contraction

BACKGROUND: In several mammalian animal models, early-gestational-age fetal wounds heal without scar, but wounds of late gestational age heal with scar. This change in wound healing phenotype can be a result of both intrinsic (i.e., cellular characteristics) and extrinsic (i.e., environmental) factors. Our question was: Does amniotic fluid (AF) influence the change from scarless to scar-forming repair in the rat? METHODS: Rat AF was investigated for its modulation of fibroblast-populated collagen lattice (FPCL) contraction and morphological changes of adult fibroblasts. AF was also assayed for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) levels. Adult rat dermal fibroblasts in monolayer and incorporated into FPCLs were incubated with AF additions from gestational age 14, 16, 18, and 21 days at 10% (v/v). RESULTS: Day 14 AF significantly stimulated FPCL contraction, but AF of 16, 18, and 21 days inhibited FPCL contraction. Fluorescence histology identified microtubules and microfilaments in AF treated adult rat dermal fibroblasts. The staining pattern of microtubules in Day 14 AF-treated fibroblasts showed denser structures at the cell center. Cells incubated with Day 16 or 18 AF showed fine peripheral microtubules. A mink lung epithelial cell bioassay was used to analyze concentrations of TGF-beta in AF. TGF-beta levels were greatly elevated in Day 14 AF, but were relatively low in Day 16, 18 and 21 AF. The inhibitor of FPCL contraction from AF of Days 16, 18, and 21 was not identified. CONCLUSION: It is proposed that the robust expression of TGF-beta or cytoskeletal changes induced by Day 14 AF contributes to enhanced FPCL contraction.     

The interaction between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and matrix metalloproteinase induces the development of sweat glands in human fetal skin

Objective:The development of sweat glands is a very complicated biological process involving many factors. In this study, we explore the inter-relationship between epidermal growth factor (EGF),matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2,MMP-7) and development of sweat glands in human embryos. Furthermore, we hope to elucidate the mechanism(s) underlying the induction of epidermal stem cells into sweat gland cells. Methods:Skin biospies of human embryos obtained from spontaneous abortions at different gestational ages from 11 to 31 weeks were used in this study. The dynamical expression of EGF, MMP-2, MMP-7 and keratin-7 (K7) in developing sweat gland cells or extracellular stroma surrounding the sweat gland cells were examined with S-P immunohistochemical methods.The localization of the cellular sources of MMP-2 and MMP 7 was examined with in situ hybridization. Results:At 14-20 wk of gestation, a gradual increase in EGF immunoreactivity was observed not only in developing sweat gland buds but also in extracellular stroma surrounding the buds,and the expression intensity peaked at 20-22 wk of gesta- tional age. All mRNA-positive buds or cells in developing sweat glands contained corresponding immunoreactive proteins. Positive immunostaining for K7 appeared in early sweat gland buds at 14-16wk of gestation, and from then on, K7 was concentrated in developing sweat gland cords or cells. Conclusions: The morphogenesis of sweat gland in human fetal skin begins at 14-16wk of gestational age, and essentially completes by 24wk. There is a close relationship among EGF,extracellular matrix remodeling and morphogenesis of sweat glands, and EGF is one of the inducers in the development and maturity of sweat gland buds or cells.     

Hydrogen peroxide disrupts scarless fetal wound repair

Cutaneous wound healing is a complex process that leads to the formation of a permanent scar in adult skin. In contrast, early gestation fetal skin undergoes scarless repair. Normally, the repair process in the skin begins with an acute inflammatory response. However, one of the most important aspects of scarless fetal wound repair appears to be a lack of inflammation, suggesting that inflammation promotes scar formation in the skin. While it is well accepted that inflammation causes scar formation in the fetus, it is not known what specific factors produced during inflammation are responsible for these effects. Oxidants released by activated inflammatory cells have the potential to be involved, although this has never been examined. The present studies, using a murine fetal wound repair model, show that hydrogen peroxide interferes with scarless healing, possibly through the induction of transforming growth factor-beta1. Hydrogen peroxide also increased the proliferation of fetal fibroblasts, which could contribute to an increase in the fibrosis seen with hydrogen peroxide. Defining the factors produced during the inflammatory response that contribute to scar formation could be important for the development of new therapies designed to minimize scarring.     

Differential expression and regulation of extracellular matrix-associated genes in fetal and neonatal fibroblasts

Adults and neonates heal wounds by a repair process associated with scarring in contrast to scar-free wound healing in the fetus. In the present study, human dermal fetal fibroblasts, representing the scarless phenotype, and neonatal human dermal fibroblasts, representing scar-forming phenotype, were examined for potential differences that might influence the wound healing process. Fetal fibroblasts secreted four- to tenfold more latent transforming growth factor-beta1 depending on the cell strains compared. Fetal fibroblasts also produced higher levels of collagen protein and mRNA for most types of collagen (particularly type III) as compared to neonatal cells. Interestingly, mRNA for type V collagen was significantly reduced in fetal cells. Neonatal fibroblasts expressed significantly higher levels of latent transforming growth factor-beta1 binding protein mRNA, in contrast to almost undetectable levels in fetal fibroblasts. By ligand blot analysis, the levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, a reported mediator of transforming growth factor-beta1 activity, was eightfold higher in neonatal versus fetal fibroblasts. Approximately 20 other mRNAs for various cytokines, matrix molecules and receptors were examined and found to be similar between the two cell types. The phenotypic differences described in this article may represent potentially important mechanisms to explain the differences in the quality of wound repair observed in fetal versus adult/neonatal tissues.