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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Isolation of Primary Myofibroblasts from Mouse and Human Colon Tissue
Published on: October 13, 2013
Phenotypic characterization of an intestinal subepithelial myofibroblast cell line
J D Valentich1, V Popov, J I Saada
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555, USA. jdv@metamatrix.com
Insights
Researchers developed a human colonic cell model (18Co) for studying intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts. This model will help uncover the functions of these crucial cells in mucosal tissues.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Subepithelial myofibroblasts are critical cells in mucosal tissues, but their functions remain largely unknown.
- A lack of suitable long-term cell culture models has hindered research into these cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel human colonic cell line (18Co) that mimics intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts in situ.
- To establish an exploitable model for investigating the physiological and pathophysiological roles of these cells.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic characterization of the 18Co cell line.
- Analysis of cell morphology, organelle structure, and protein expression (alpha-smooth muscle actin).
- Assessment of plasma membrane receptors and paracrine signaling capabilities.
Main Results:
- The 18Co cell line exhibits reversible shape changes (discoid to stellate).
- 18Co cells possess myofibroblast-like organelles and express alpha-smooth muscle actin.
- These cells show functional receptors for endothelins and natriuretic peptides and regulate epithelial sensitivity via prostaglandin secretion.
Conclusions:
- The 18Co cell line accurately represents key characteristics of intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts.
- This model provides a valuable tool for molecular-level research into the functions of these cells.
- Further studies using the 18Co model will elucidate the physiological and pathophysiological roles of subepithelial myofibroblasts.
Abstract:
Subepithelial myofibroblasts are located at the interface between the epithelium and lamina propria in most mucosal tissues. Their biological functions are largely unknown because a long-term cell culture model for these cells has not been available. In this report, we define the phenotypic properties of a human colonic cell line (18Co) that exhibits most of the known characteristics of intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts in situ. These characteristics include 1) a cell shape that can be reversibly interconverted between a flattened discoid and stellate morphology, 2) intracellular organelles reminiscent of myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in situ, 3) expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, 4) plasma membrane receptors for endothelins and natriuretic peptides, and 5) regulation of epithelial sensitivity to calcium-dependent secretagogues by paracrine secretion of prostaglandins. 18Co cells provide an exploitable model to begin defining the physiological and pathophysiological functions of intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts at the molecular level.
