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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
08:19
Evaluation of Keratinocyte Proliferation on Two- and Three-dimensional Type I Collagen Substrates
Published on: April 22, 2019
Basic fibroblast growth factor stimulates human keratinocyte motility by Rac activation
Yoko Sogabe1, Masatoshi Abe, Yoko Yokoyama
1Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan. ysogabe@showa.gunma-u.ac.jp
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) enhances keratinocyte migration, particularly on type I collagen. This study reveals bFGF
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Wound healing research
Background:
- Human recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes wound healing.
- bFGF shows limited in vitro effects on keratinocytes compared to other cell types.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the mechanisms of bFGF-stimulated keratinocyte migration.
- Determine the role of extracellular matrix components in bFGF's effect on keratinocytes.
Main Methods:
- Keratinocyte migration assays (Boyden chamber).
- Assessment of keratinocyte spreading and lamellipodia formation.
- Rac activation assays (GTP-loaded Rac detection).
- Experiments conducted on uncoated, type I collagen-coated, and fibronectin-coated surfaces.
Main Results:
- bFGF significantly enhanced keratinocyte migration.
- Keratinocyte lamellipodia formation occurred only with bFGF stimulation on type I collagen.
- Rac activation was detected solely in bFGF-stimulated keratinocytes on collagen-coated surfaces.
Conclusions:
- bFGF stimulates keratinocyte migration, requiring type I collagen as a scaffold.
- Rac activation is implicated in the mechanism of bFGF-induced keratinocyte migration.
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