Reductive Stress Selectively Disrupts Collagen Homeostasis and Modifies Growth Factor-independent Signaling Through the MAPK/Akt Pathway in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

The study demonstrated that reductive stress selectively disrupted collagen homeostasis and modified growth factor-independent signaling through the MAPK/Akt pathway in human dermal fibroblasts. Using DTT to induce reductive stress, researchers found that certain collagen proteins significantly decreased, while other ECM proteins like fibronectin and laminin remained stable. The study highlighted that the PDGFR pathway might drive collagen remodeling under reductive conditions, and that DTT could stimulate Akt phosphorylation without PDGF. The findings suggested potential applications of redox-active compounds in wound healing and skin disorders, as they could influence ECM deposition and cell migration. The study also noted that chronic reductive stress did not induce significant changes in ER stress target proteins, indicating a selective influence on redox signaling.