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Related Experiment Videos

Sarcomeric gene expression and contractility in myofibroblasts

D C Mayer1, L A Leinwand

  • 1Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|February 12, 1998
PubMed
Summary
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Myofibroblasts, found in kidneys and livers, activate muscle gene programs. These cells express muscle proteins and contract in response to endothelin-1 (ET-1), revealing their unique contractile properties.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Myofibroblasts exhibit characteristics of both muscle and non-muscle cells.
  • These cells are crucial for regulating liver blood flow and kidney filtration.
  • Their unique contractile properties are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms behind myofibroblast contractile properties.
  • To understand how myofibroblasts achieve their muscle-like features.
  • To characterize gene expression in kidney mesangial (BHK) and liver stellate cells.

Main Methods:

  • Characterization of two myofibroblast cell lines (BHK and liver stellate cells).
  • Analysis of muscle gene expression, including structural proteins.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assessment of MyoD and myogenin expression and function.
  • Measurement of cell contraction in response to endothelin-1 (ET-1).

    • Main Results:

    • Myofibroblast cell lines activate extensive muscle gene expression programs.
    • BHK cells express multiple myosin heavy chain isoforms and thin filament proteins.
    • Liver stellate cells express a subset of these muscle proteins.
    • MyoD and myogenin are expressed and functional, despite lack of differentiation into myotubes.
    • Cells contract upon ET-1 stimulation, which also increases sarcomeric myosin expression.

    Conclusions:

    • Myofibroblasts utilize muscle gene programs to achieve their contractile functions.
    • These cells possess a unique molecular machinery enabling their specialized roles in organs.
    • Endothelin-1 plays a role in regulating myofibroblast contractility and gene expression.