Collagenase gene expression in fibroblasts is regulated by a three-dimensional contact with collagen.
Collagenase activity in fibroblasts is regulated by cytokines and the interaction with the extracellular matrix. In this study we demonstrate that fibroblasts cultured within a three-dimensional collagen gel show a strong induction of collagenase gene expression. In addition to increased de novo synthesis most of the secreted enzyme was found to be activated leading to a high collagenolytic activity and complete degradation of collagen matrices after removal of fetal calf serum. Collagen I gene expression was found to be reduced under these conditions. These data suggest a specific modulation of cellular metabolism in response to contact with a three-dimensional collagenous matrix resulting in the divergent regulation of collagen and collagenase.
Mauch
C
C
Dermatologische Klinik, Universität München, FRG.
Adelmann-Grill
B
B
Hatamochi
A
A
Krieg
T
T
D000328:Adult; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000201:enzymology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D003012:Microbial Collagenase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D014404:Tubulin / Q000378:metabolism
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014404:Tubulin; D003094:Collagen; D003012:Microbial Collagenase