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Transdifferentiation of human monocytes into fibroblast-like cells in vitro
U Reuter1, C Champion, H L Kain
1Eye Clinic of the University of Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy is a process of uncontrolled cell proliferation in the vitreous. There is some evidence that monocytes and macrophages play an essential role during the pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether human monocytes derived from the peripheral blood can transform into fibroblast-like cells under in vitro conditions. To provide similar environmental conditions in vitro, human monocytes were brought onto fresh calf vitreous and kept for 17 days. Monocytes differentiated into macrophages and assumed a fibroblast-like morphology. During transdifferentiation, expression of CD11c was present for only 3 days and that of CD18, for only 7 days. The longest presence was found for CD68 expression, which lasted for 15 days. The present results indicate that human monocytes from the peripheral blood are capable of transforming into fibroblast-like cells under in vitro conditions. Blood-borne monocytes could therefore represent a major source for the fibroblast-like cells found in proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
Insights
Human monocytes from peripheral blood can transform into fibroblast-like cells. This suggests blood monocytes may be a key source of cells involved in proliferative vitreoretinopathy pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVP) involves uncontrolled cell proliferation in the vitreous.
- Monocytes and macrophages are implicated in PVP pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if human peripheral blood monocytes can transform into fibroblast-like cells in vitro.
- To understand the role of monocytes in the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
Main Methods:
- Human monocytes were cultured in vitro on fresh calf vitreous for 17 days.
- Monocyte differentiation and morphology changes were observed.
- Expression of cell surface markers (CD11c, CD18, CD68) was monitored during transdifferentiation.
Main Results:
- Monocytes differentiated into macrophages and adopted a fibroblast-like morphology.
- Expression of CD11c and CD18 was transient, while CD68 expression persisted for 15 days.
- Human monocytes demonstrated the capacity for transdifferentiation into fibroblast-like cells under specific in vitro conditions.
Conclusions:
- Human peripheral blood monocytes can transform into fibroblast-like cells in vitro.
- Blood-borne monocytes are a potential major source of fibroblast-like cells contributing to proliferative vitreoretinopathy.