Building a Better Scar: Re-Engineering Extracellular Matrix Structure in Dermal Scars

    January 2020 in “ VTechWorks (Virginia Tech)
    Jade Montgomery
    TLDR αCT1 improves scar appearance by changing early collagen structure.
    The study investigated the effects of the peptide αCT1 on scar formation, focusing on its impact on collagen matrix structure. In trials involving humans, rats, and guinea pigs, αCT1 treatment led to increased collagen fiber disorganization and density at early stages, which diminished over time. The guinea pig model closely mirrored human collagen changes, outperforming the rat model. In vitro, αCT1 enhanced collagen synthesis in murine fibroblasts, suggesting that increased collagen production contributes to early matrix changes. These findings indicated that αCT1 could improve long-term scar appearance by altering early wound healing processes, providing a foundation for future research on enhancing wound healing and scar outcomes.
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