Publications

Abstract Understanding how inflammatory cytokines influence profibrogenic wound healing responses in fibroblasts is important for understanding the pathogenesis of fibrosis. TNF-α and IL-13 are key cytokines in Th1 and Th2 immune responses, respectively, while TGF-β1 is the principal pro-fibrotic mediator. We show that 12-day fibroblast culture with TNF-α or IL-13 induces fibrogenesis, marked by progressively […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, herein ECM degradation. Fibronectin (FN) is an important component of the ECM that is produced by multiple cell types, including fibroblasts. Extra domain B (EDB) is specific for a cellular FN isoform which is found in the ECM. We sought to […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) possess a multitude of regenerative capabilities, which include immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and stimulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. However, the underlying mechanisms leading to ECM remodeling remain largely elusive and highlight the need for functional in vitro models for mode of action studies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was […]

Abstract Different stimulants might induce different extracellular matrix profiles. It is essential to gain an understanding and quantification of these changes to allow for focused anti-fibrotic drug development. This study investigated the expression of extracellular matrix by dermal fibroblast mimicking fibrotic skin diseases as SSc using clinically validated biomarkers. Primary healthy human dermal fibroblasts were […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rapidly progressing disease with challenging management. To find novel effective therapies, better preclinical models are needed for the screening of anti-fibrotic compounds. Activated fibroblasts drive fibrogenesis and are the main cells responsible for the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, a prolonged Scar-in-a-Jar assay was combined with […]

Abstract Diabetic kidney disease is a worldwide epidemic, and therapies are incomplete. Clinical data suggest that improved renal outcomes by Na-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) are partly beyond their antihyperglycemic effects; however, the mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we investigated the effect of the SGLT2i dapagliflozin (DAPA) in the prevention of elevated -GlcNAcylation and tubular […]

Abstract Altered architecture, composition and quality of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are pathological hallmarks of several inflammatory and fibro-proliferative pathological processes such as osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibrosis and cancer. One of the most important components of the ECM is fibronectin. Fibronectin serves as an adhesion molecule anchoring cells to the underlying basement membrane […]