Cultured myofibroblasts display a specific phenotype that differentiates them from fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND

Myofibroblasts (MF) from human granulation tissue derive from perilesional cells and display similarities with fibroblasts (DF) and smooth muscle cells (SMC).

OBJECTIVE

Determine additional markers to assess the phenotype of MF.

METHODS

MF, DF and SMC derived from human tissues were amplified in culture. Their phenotype and response to various regulatory processes were compared in vitro.

RESULTS

MF resemble SMC by their mechanical properties and cytoskeletal proteins. They resemble DF by their biosynthetic phenotype and their response to the regulation operated by the extracellular matrix and mechanical forces.

CONCLUSION

In vitro MF display a phenotype that differentiates them from DF and SMC.