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Tenascin-C expression by fibroblasts is elevated in stressed collagen gels
R Chiquet-Ehrismann1, M Tannheimer, M Koch
1Friedrich Miescher Institute, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
The Journal of Cell Biology
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Fibroblasts regulate tenascin-C (a protein) synthesis based on mechanical stress from collagen gels. Increased tension on attached gels boosts tenascin-C production, while contraction decreases it, suggesting transcriptional control.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Fibroblasts exert tractional forces on collagen matrices, influencing gel structure.
- Tenascin-C expression is known to be modulated in response to cellular microenvironments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulation of tenascin-C synthesis by fibroblasts in response to mechanical cues from collagen matrices.
- To determine the transcriptional control mechanisms underlying tenascin-C expression in different collagen gel conditions.
Main Methods:
- Culturing chick embryo fibroblasts on restrained and unrestrained collagen gels.
- Measuring tenascin-C synthesis via metabolic labeling and immunofluorescence.
- Utilizing reporter gene assays with tenascin-C and SV40 promoters in transfected fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- Fibroblast-populated attached collagen gels showed increased tenascin-C synthesis compared to floating, contracting gels.
- Tenascin-C regulation occurred at the transcriptional level, as evidenced by reporter gene expression.
- A distinct promoter region for tenascin-C induction by mechanical stress was identified.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical stress experienced by fibroblasts within a restrained collagen matrix directly influences tenascin-C gene expression.
- This regulation is crucial for processes like embryogenesis and wound healing.
- A novel response element in the tenascin-C promoter mediates responses to mechanical cues.