Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
08:51
Induction of Adhesion-dependent Signals Using Low-intensity Ultrasound
Published on: May 8, 2012
10.0K
Pulsed electrical stimulation modulates fibroblasts' behaviour through the Smad signalling pathway
Yongliang Wang1,2, Mahmoud Rouabhia1, Denis Lavertu3
1Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
|February 26, 2015
Summary
Pulsed electrical stimulation (PES) enhances fibroblast migration and collagen gel contraction by increasing FGF2 secretion and activating the Smad signalling pathway. This research offers new insights into using PES for promoting human wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Human dermal fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing by migrating, proliferating, and remodeling the extracellular matrix.
- Pulsed electrical stimulation (PES) is being explored as a therapeutic modality to enhance tissue regeneration.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which PES influences fibroblast behavior is essential for optimizing its clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different pulsed electrical stimulation (PES) protocols on human dermal fibroblast healing characteristics.
- To elucidate the underlying signalling pathway involved in PES-modulated fibroblast activity.
- To provide mechanistic insights into the potential of PES for promoting wound healing.
Main Methods:
- Primary human dermal fibroblasts were cultured on polypyrrole-coated polyester fabrics.
- Cells were exposed to four distinct PES protocols with varying intensity (50 and 100 mV/mm) and duration (300s/600s, 10s/1200s).
- Fibroblast migration, collagen gel contraction, FGF2 secretion, α-SMA expression, and Smad signalling pathway activation (phosphorylated Smad2/3) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- PES exposure significantly increased fibroblast migration and FGF2 secretion (p < 0.05).
- Fibroblasts subjected to PES demonstrated enhanced collagen gel contraction capacity up to 48 hours.
- PES treatment led to increased α-SMA mRNA and protein expression, alongside elevated levels of phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3, indicating Smad pathway activation.
Conclusions:
- Pulsed electrical stimulation (PES) positively modulates human dermal fibroblast migration, collagen gel contraction, and FGF2 secretion.
- The observed effects of PES on fibroblasts are mediated through the activation of the Smad signalling pathway.
- This study provides novel mechanistic understanding of how PES can promote wound healing.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:16TGF - β Signaling Pathway
11.1K
The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors...
11.1K
01:09Introduction to Fibroblasts
4.9K
Rudolph Virchow discovered spindle-shaped cells called fibroblasts in 1858. Inactive fibroblasts, called fibrocytes, become activated by various stimuli, such as growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. Activated fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing, inflammation, formation of new blood vessels, and cancer progression. Uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts results in fibrosis, the excess deposition of fibrous tissue, which can lead to scarring and affect normal organs. This...
4.9K