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Updated: Dec 1, 2025
Murine Dermal Fibroblast Isolation by FACS
Published on: January 7, 2016
Prrx1 Fibroblasts Represent a Pro-fibrotic Lineage in the Mouse Ventral Dermis
Tripp Leavitt1, Michael S Hu1, Mimi R Borrelli1
1Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Researchers identified a specific fibroblast subpopulation, paired related homeobox 1 (Prrx1)-expressing cells, driving fibrosis in mouse skin. These Prrx1 fibroblasts possess intrinsic scar-forming potential during wound repair.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Repair
Background:
- Fibroblast heterogeneity exists in mouse dorsal dermis.
- Fibroblast subpopulations can be distinguished by anatomical location and embryonic origin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize fibroblast subpopulations responsible for fibrosis.
- To investigate the role of paired related homeobox 1 (Prrx1)-expressing fibroblasts in scar formation.
Main Methods:
- Lineage tracing in mice.
- Single-cell transcriptomics during wound repair.
Main Results:
- Paired related homeobox 1 (Prrx1)-expressing fibroblasts were identified as key drivers of acute and chronic fibrosis in the ventral dermis.
- Single-cell transcriptomics confirmed the inherent fibrotic characteristics of Prrx1 fibroblasts during wound healing.
Conclusions:
- A distinct fibroblast subpopulation in the mouse ventral dermis possesses intrinsic scar-forming potential.
- Prrx1-expressing fibroblasts are crucial for fibrotic responses in the skin.
