Transforming Growth Factor-Beta1 and Human Gingival Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Differentiation: Molecular and Morphological Modifications

After oral mucosal injury, the healing response following specific steps that lead to wound closure and to tissue repair. Multiple cell populations are involved in this process; in particular, fibroblasts play a key role in the production of extracellular matrix (ECM). During wound healing the remodeling of ECM is a key stage to restore the tissue functionality through multifunctional fibroblast populations that are placed in the connective tissues of gingiva and periodontal ligament. Notably, a fibroblast sub-type (myofibroblast) is centrally involved in collagen synthesis and fibrillar remodeling. The present work evidenced the role of Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 (TGF-beta 1) to mediate human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) differentiation into myofibroblasts derived from gingival fibroblasts (myo-hGFs). The morphological and functional features were analyzed through Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), flow cytometry, and western blotting analyses. The specific markers, such as alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (alpha-SMA), Vimentin, E-cadherin, beta-catenin, and Smad 2/3, were modulated in myo-hGFs after the induction with TGF-beta 1, at different time points (24, 48, and 72 h). After 72 h of treatment TGF-beta 1 operates as an inducer of hGFs into myo-hGFs differentiation. We propose that TGF-beta 1 may promote in vitro the fibroblasts-to-myofibroblasts transition via the morphological and molecular modifications, as the induction of alpha-SMA, Vimentin, E-cadherin, beta-catenin, and Smad 2/3.

Automated summary

After oral mucosal injury, the healing response involves specific steps that require different cell populations, with fibroblasts playing a crucial role in ECM production. The study highlights the role of TGF-beta 1 in promoting the differentiation of gingival fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, as evidenced by changes in specific markers.