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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Isolation, Culture, and Characterization of Primary Dermal Fibroblasts from Human Keloid Tissue
Published on: July 28, 2023
[Apoptosis of keloid-derived fibroblasts induced by Fas gene transfection]
Yong Luo1, Jian-hua Gao, Fei Zhao
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Objective:
To observe the effect of Fas gene transfection on the apoptosis of keloid-derived fibroblasts.
Methods:
The full-length cDNA of Fas was inserted into the multicloning site of the expression vector pcDNA-3.1 by molecular cloning technique, and the recombinant plasmid was transfected into the keloid-derived fibroblasts via lipofectin. Fas monoclonal antibody (mAb) was used to induce the apoptosis of the cells, which was evaluated with HE staining, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry.
Results:
The expression plasmid pcDNA-3.1-Fas was constructed successfully. Fas mAb induced apoptosis of these fibroblasts transfected with Fas gene, with the typical features of fibroblast apoptosis observed in the treated cells (e.g. typical apoptotic cell nuclei, DNA ladder and high apoptosis rate as determined by flow cytometer), but not in the control cells.
Conclusion:
Blockage of upstream apoptosis pathway in keloid-derived fibroblasts is due to nonfunction of Fas protein, and mutation of Fas gene may be the pathogenesis of keloids.
Insights
Fas gene transfection successfully induced apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts. This suggests that Fas gene mutations may contribute to keloid pathogenesis by blocking apoptosis pathways.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Keloids are abnormal scars resulting from excessive fibroblast proliferation.
- The apoptosis pathway, particularly involving the Fas receptor, plays a crucial role in regulating cell death.
- Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of various fibrotic conditions, including keloids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Fas gene transfection on inducing apoptosis in keloid-derived fibroblasts.
- To explore the potential role of Fas gene dysfunction in keloid formation.
Main Methods:
- Molecular cloning was used to construct the pcDNA-3.1-Fas expression plasmid.
- Lipofection was employed to transfect the recombinant plasmid into keloid-derived fibroblasts.
- Apoptosis induction was achieved using Fas monoclonal antibody (mAb) and subsequently evaluated via HE staining, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, and flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Successful construction of the pcDNA-3.1-Fas expression plasmid was confirmed.
- Transfection with the Fas gene and subsequent treatment with Fas mAb induced characteristic features of apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts, including nuclear condensation, DNA laddering, and a high apoptosis rate.
- Control cells without Fas gene transfection did not exhibit these apoptotic changes.
Conclusions:
- The results indicate that the Fas protein is functional in inducing apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts.
- Non-function of the Fas protein and potential Fas gene mutations may underlie the blockage of the upstream apoptosis pathway in keloid-derived fibroblasts.
- These findings suggest that Fas gene mutations could be a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of keloids.
Related Concept Videos
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Introduction to Fibroblasts
Apoptosis
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.

