Extracellular matrix contraction by fibroblasts: peptide promoters and second messengers.
Cells contracting connective tissue matrices generate tractional forces in tissues. Studies of fibroblast contraction, using collagen gels in an in vitro model, demonstrate that it involves the actin cytoskeleton, specific extracellular matrix receptors and requires stimulation by exogenous promoters. Fibroblast contraction is stimulated by factors released by platelets and potentially secreted within the contracting tissue. Endothelial cells secrete a potent promoter of fibroblast contraction which has been identified as endothelin 1. The pathway through which fibroblast contraction is stimulated appears to require activation of protein kinase C. Tumor cells can also secrete endothelin. These mechanisms may be relevant to tumor progression.
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University of Alabama, Department of Biochemistry, Birmingham 35294.
D000818:Animals; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000502:physiology*; D016232:Endothelins / Q000502:physiology*; D004727:Endothelium / Q000502:physiology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology*; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D015290:Second Messenger Systems / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D016232:Endothelins; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D011493:Protein Kinase C