Transforming growth factor β2-induced myofibroblastic differentiation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells: Regulation by extracellular matrix proteins and hepatocyte growth factor

摘要: Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells possess the potential to transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts after stimulation with transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and are implicated in pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. In this study we evaluated how TGFbeta2 various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins modulate transdifferentiation human fetal retinal myofibroblast-like cells. Furthermore, investigated whether hepatocyte (HGF) can suppress transdifferentiation. RPE were cultured on ECM coated or uncoated surfaces presence absence TGFbeta2. HGF was added certain cultures only once a daily basis during treatment. Transdifferentiation assessed by quantitation alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) using immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, real-time PCR Western blotting. induced significant increase alpha-SMA expression dose-dependent manner. Compared surfaces, fibronectin (FN)-coated stimulated showed significantly higher than untreated This upregulation could be markedly reduced treatment HGF; however, single administration did not reduce alpha-SMA. These findings important for further understanding interaction cytokines, their environment mesenchymal transformation as well its possible modulation. Continuous long-term should prevent cells, ultimately, PVR vivo.