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Regenerative potential of adipocytes in hypertrophic scars is mediated by myofibroblast reprogramming

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Abstract

Abnormal scarring is a major challenge in modern medicine. The central role of myofibroblasts and TGF-β signaling in scarring is widely accepted, but effective treatment options are missing. Autologous fat grafting is a novel approach that has led to significant improvements in the functionality and appearance of scar tissue. While the underlying mechanism is unknown, the potential role of paracrine effects of adipocytes has been discussed. Hence, with the aim of unraveling the regenerative potential of adipocytes, their effects on in vitro differentiated myofibroblasts and on fibroblasts from hypertrophic scars were investigated. Exposure to adipocyte-conditioned medium significantly decreased the expression of the myofibroblast marker α-SMA and ECM components, indicating the occurrence of myofibroblast reprogramming. Further analysis demonstrated that myofibroblast reprogramming was triggered by BMP-4 and activation of PPARγ signaling initiating tissue remodeling. These findings may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of hypertrophic scars.

Key messages

  • Adipocytes induce distinct regenerative effects in hypertrophic scar tissue.

  • Adipocytes secrete several proteins which are involved in wound healing and regeneration.

  • Adipocytes secrete BMP-4 which activates myofibroblast reprogramming.

  • Mediators secreted by adipocytes directly and indirectly activate PPARγ which exerts distinct anti-fibrotic effects.

  • These findings may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of hypertrophic scars.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Patrick Graff and Maria Thon for technical assistance. Moreover, the authors would like to acknowledge the support of Anja Briese and Dr. Christoph Sachse (NMI TT Pharmaservices).

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Einstein Center for Regenerative Therapies (ECRTs) and the Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany

    Katharina Hoerst & Sarah Hedtrich

  2. Department of Dermatology, VU University Medical Center, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Lenie van den Broek & Sue Gibbs

  3. NMI TT Pharmaservices, 13353, Berlin, Germany

    Christoph Sachse

  4. Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany

    Oliver Klein

  5. Division of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Helios Clinic, 14165, Berlin, Germany

    Uwe von Fritschen

  6. University of British Columbia, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vancouver, Canada

    Sarah Hedtrich

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  1. Katharina Hoerst
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Contributions

K.H., G.E., and O.K. performed experiments. S.H., L.v.B. (at VUmc), and S.G. (at VUmc) supervised the work. K.H. and S.H. designed the experiments, analyzed the data, and wrote the manuscript. All the authors provided critical review of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Sarah Hedtrich.

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Hoerst, K., van den Broek, L., Sachse, C. et al. Regenerative potential of adipocytes in hypertrophic scars is mediated by myofibroblast reprogramming. J Mol Med 97, 761–775 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-019-01772-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-019-01772-2

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