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Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Suppression of Pro-fibrotic Signaling Potentiates Factor-mediated Reprogramming of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts into Induced Cardiomyocytes
Published on: June 3, 2018
[OMT inhibited TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation via down-regulating p38MAPK phosphorylation in vitro]
Objective:
To investigate the inhibitory effects of OMT on TGF-β1-induced CFBs proliferation, and then explore the mechanism.
Method:
The experiment was randomly divided into 6 groups as following: control group (serum free DMEM), model group (20 μg x L(-1) TGF-β1), OMT low dose group (1.89 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1) + 20 μg x L(-1) TGF-β1), OMT medium dose group (3.78 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1) + 20 μg x L(-1) TGF-β1), OMT high dose group (7.56 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1) + 20 μg x L(-1) TGF-β1), SB203580 group (p38MAPK blocking agent, 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) + 20 μg x L(-1) TGF-β1). Vimentin of CFBs was identified by immunocytochemical methods, α-SMA of myFBs as well. Inhibitory effects of OMT on CFBs proliferation was detected by the MTT assay. Picric acid Sirius red staining was analyzed collagen type I and collagen type III deposition. Western blot was determined the expression of p38MAPK, p-p38MAPK, collagen type I and collagen type III.
Result:
MTT results showed that OMT significantly inhibited CFBs proliferation induced by TGF-β1 (P < 0.01) α-SMA immunocytochemical experiments suggested that OMT could protect against the CFBs proliferation. OMT could significantly decrease the deposition of collagen type I and collagen type III by Western bloting and picric acid Sirius red staining. Western blot results showed that TGF-β1 enhanced p38MAPK phosphorylation, however OMT attenuated the phosphorylation of p38MAPK induced by TGF-β1 (P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
OMT can inhibit the CFBs proliferation induced by TGF-β1, and its mechanism may be involved in inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation.
Insights
OMT significantly inhibits fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition induced by TGF-β1. This effect is mediated by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation, offering potential therapeutic insights.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition are key in fibrotic diseases.
- Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a critical mediator of these processes.
- Investigating novel inhibitors of TGF-β1 signaling is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the inhibitory effects of OMT on TGF-β1-induced fibroblast proliferation.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of OMT's action.
Main Methods:
- Cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assays.
- Immunocytochemistry identified vimentin and α-SMA.
- Collagen deposition was quantified via Sirius red staining and Western blotting.
- Western blotting analyzed the phosphorylation status of p38MAPK.
Main Results:
- OMT significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced fibroblast proliferation (P < 0.01).
- OMT reduced collagen type I and III deposition.
- OMT attenuated TGF-β1-induced p38MAPK phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- OMT effectively inhibits fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition stimulated by TGF-β1.
- The mechanism involves the inhibition of p38MAPK phosphorylation.
- OMT demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for fibrotic conditions.
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
MAPK Signaling Cascades

