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Updated: Feb 6, 2026
Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
Published on: May 27, 2015
Expression and modulation of S100A4 protein by human mast cells
Rossana Domenis1, David Pilutti2, Maria Orsaria1
1Department of Medical Area, Surgical Pathology Section, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
Abstract:
S100A4 protein is expressed in fibroblasts during tissue remodelling and in cancer stem cells and it induces the metastatic spread of tumor cells. In mast cells (MCs) S100A4 have been found in some pathological conditions, but its function in normal MCs remains to be described. The purpose of this study was to characterize the cellular localization of the S100A4 protein in MCs of human tissues with inflammatory or tumor disorders and, to determine the consequence of reducing its expression in MC response. We found that tissue resident MCs stained positive to S100A4. Both human HMC-1 cell line and resting CD34+-derived MCs expressed S100A4, whose levels were differentially modulated upon MC activation. Downregulation of the S100A4 protein resulted in MC growth inhibition, enhanced apoptosis and deregulation of MMP-1 and MMP-10 production. Our results suggest that S100A4 is also playing a role in the MC life cycle and functions.
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