Defining the Role of Integrin Alpha 11 in Wound Healing and Fibrosis
Abstract
Integrin alpha 11 (Itga11) is the most recently identified integrin subunit and may be required for the activation of fibroblasts during wound healing and fibrotic disease. To investigate the role of Itga11 in fibroblast behavior we are using cells derived from mice that are genetically null for this gene. We have found that fibroblasts lacking Itga11 (KO) repair a scratch in a confluent monolayer faster than their normal (Het) counterparts, and that this can in part be explained by increased proliferation along the margins of the scratch in the KO cultures. When cultured in collagen gels fibroblasts remodel the gel and alter their expression of genes such as Col1A1 and alphaSMA, markers of activated fibroblasts. Despite the fact that previous experiments showed that KO cells are deficient in gel contraction, we have found no difference in the expression of Col1A1 or alphaSMA in the KO cells. Preliminary data suggest that expression of MMP13, a major collagenase, may be decreased in KO cells. Thus to date, the differences between Het and KO fibroblasts are subtle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA541391
Entities
People
- Ruth M. Baxter