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An immunofluorescence assay for extracellular matrix components highlights the
role of epithelial cells in producing a stable, fibrillar extracellular matrix
#MMPMID29032370
Qureshi OS
; Bon H
; Twomey B
; Holdsworth G
; Ford K
; Bergin M
; Huang L
; Muzylak M
; Healy LJ
; Hurdowar V
; Johnson TS
Biol Open
2017[Oct]; 6
(10
): 1423-1433
PMID29032370
show ga
Activated fibroblasts are considered major drivers of fibrotic disease
progression through the production of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) in
response to signals from damaged epithelial and inflammatory cells. Nevertheless,
epithelial cells are capable of expressing components of the ECM, cross-linking
enzymes that increase its stability and are sensitive to factors involved in the
early stages of fibrosis. We therefore wanted to test the hypothesis that
epithelial cells can deposit ECM in response to stimulation in a comparable
manner to fibroblasts. We performed immunofluorescence analysis of components of
stable, mature extracellular matrix produced by primary human renal proximal
tubular epithelial cells and renal fibroblasts in response to cytokine
stimulation. Whilst fibroblasts produced a higher basal level of extracellular
matrix components, epithelial cells were able to deposit significant levels of
fibronectin, collagen I, III and IV in response to cytokine stimulation. In
response to hypoxia, epithelial cells showed an increase in collagen IV
deposition but not in response to the acute stress stimuli aristolochic acid or
hydrogen peroxide. When epithelial cells were in co-culture with fibroblasts we
observed significant increases in the level of matrix deposition which could be
reduced by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?) blockade. Our results
highlight the role of epithelial cells acting as efficient producers of stable
extracellular matrix which could contribute to renal tubule thickening in
fibrosis.