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http://www.newsrx.com/health-articles/2174283.html

Cell Research
Researchers from Columbia University report on findings in stem cell research

2010 SEP 28 -- Investigators publish new data in the report 'CTGF directs fibroblast differentiation from human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and defines connective tissue healing in a rodent injury model.' "Fibroblasts are ubiquitous cells that demonstrate remarkable diversity. However, their origin and pathways of differentiation remain poorly defined," scientists writing in the Journal of Clinical Investigation report.

"Here, we show that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; also known as CCN2) is sufficient to induce human bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) to differentiate into fibroblasts. CTGF-stimulated MSCs lost their surface mesenchymal epitopes, expressed broad fibroblastic hallmarks, and increasingly synthesized collagen type I and tenacin-C. After fibroblastic commitment, the ability of MSCs to differentiate into nonfibroblastic lineages -including osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes -was diminished. To address inherent heterogeneity in MSC culture, we established 18 single MSC-derived clones by limiting dilution. CTGF-treated MSCs were alpha-SMA-, differentiating into alpha-SMA+ myofibroblasts only when stimulated subsequently with TGF-beta1, suggestive of stepwise processes of fibroblast commitment, fibrogenesis, and pathological fibrosis. In rats, in vivo microencapsulated delivery of CTGF prompted postnatal connective tissue to undergo fibrogenesis rather than ectopic mineralization," wrote C.H. Lee and colleagues, Columbia University.

The researchers concluded: "The knowledge that fibroblasts have a mesenchymal origin may enrich our understanding of organ fibrosis, cancer stroma, ectopic mineralization, scarring, and regeneration."

Lee and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation (CTGF directs fibroblast differentiation from human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and defines connective tissue healing in a rodent injury model. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2010;120(9):3340-9).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting C.H. Lee, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York USA.