Subpopulations of Dermal Fibroblasts Produce Distinct Extracellular Matrices

September 2016 in “ The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology ”

Martina Ghetti, Helena Topouzi, Georgios Theocharidis, Giovanna Cenacchi, Elena Bondioli, Paul Farrant, John T. Connelly, Claire A. Higgins

dermal fibroblasts extracellular matrices papillary fibroblasts reticular fibroblasts dermal papilla fibroblasts scalp skin biopsies Fibronectin Thrombospondin epidermal constructs ZO-1 keratinocyte growth skin tissue engineering ECM Pfi Rfi DP

TLDR Different types of skin cells create unique support structures that can affect skin cell growth and could help in skin repair.

This study characterized extracellular matrices (ECMs) produced by three subpopulations of fibroblasts from human skin dermis: papillary fibroblasts (Pfi), reticular fibroblasts (Rfi), and dermal papilla fibroblasts (DP). Scalp skin biopsies were used to isolate and culture these fibroblasts, and their ECMs were analyzed after 10 days. Pfi produced ECM with the largest and most randomly oriented fibers, rich in Fibronectin, while DP-derived ECM was rich in Thrombospondin. Epidermal constructs grown on DP or Pfi matrices showed normal differentiation and stratification markers, but Rfi-supported constructs lacked ZO-1 expression and failed to support keratinocyte growth. These findings highlighted the physiological differences between the dermal subpopulations and suggested potential for designing biomimetic materials for skin tissue engineering.

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