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Updated: May 22, 2026

Observing and Quantifying Fibroblast-mediated Fibrin Gel Compaction
Published on: January 16, 2014
IQGAP1 regulates hyaluronan-mediated fibroblast motility and proliferation
Inna Kozlova1, Aino Ruusala, Oleksandr Voytyuk
1Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 595, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden.
Abstract:
IQGAP1, an essential scaffolding protein, forms a complex with the hyaluronan receptor CD44. In this study, we have examined the importance of IQGAP1 for hyaluronan-mediated fibroblast migration and proliferation. Hyaluronan induced formation of F-actin fibers and focal adhesions, which was dependent on IQGAP1. IQGAP1 was required for hyaluronan- but not for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced cell migration, and was required for both hyaluronan- and PDGF-BB-mediated fibroblast proliferation, but not for proliferation induced by 10% fetal bovine serum. Depletion of IQGAP1 suppressed hyaluronan-induced activation of Rac1 and enhanced the activation of RhoA. Taken together, these findings indicate important roles for IQGAP1 in hyaluronan-stimulated migration and proliferation of fibroblasts.
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