Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Evaluation of Keratinocyte Proliferation on Two- and Three-dimensional Type I Collagen Substrates
Published on: April 22, 2019
Extracellular matrix-derived tripeptide proline-glycine-proline inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and migration
Yiwei Ma1, Kyle Kleinbeck, W John Kao
1School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Abstract:
Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type in epidermis, and are primarily responsible for the epithelialization phase of wound healing. Previous studies by our group showed a positive correlation between IL-8 concentration and delayed healing of porcine cutaneous partial-thickness wounds. Interleukin-8 and collagen-breakdown product N-acetyl-Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP) are known as chemoattractant molecules for neutrophils during inflammation. The activity of both molecules is dependent on chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2. In addition to neutrophils, keratinocytes also express CXCR1 and CXCR2. Here we investigated the effects of IL-8 and PGP on keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Our results showed that IL-8 up to 100 ng/mL does not have any significant impact on keratinocyte proliferation or migration. ECM-derived tripeptide PGP chemotactically attracts neutrophils but not keratinocytes. PGP strongly inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and migration in a cell-type specific manner. Thus, collagen breakdown product PGP plays a key role in modulating both the inflammatory and epithelialization phases of wound healing.
Related Concept Videos
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
A...
Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins
Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
The Extracellular Matrix
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...

