Myofibroblast development is characterized by specific cell-cell adherens junctions

• Published in: Molecular biology of the cell Vol. 15; no. 9; pp. 4310 - 4320
• Main Authors: Hinz, B, Pittet, P, Smith-Clerc, J, Chaponnier, C, Meister, J-J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2004
• Subjects: Actins - metabolism; Adherens Junctions - metabolism; Animals; Biomechanical Phenomena; Cadherins - metabolism; Cell Differentiation; Cells, Cultured; Collagen; Female; Fibroblasts - cytology; Fibroblasts - metabolism; Gels; Models, Biological; Myoblasts - cytology; Myoblasts - metabolism; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Skin - cytology; Skin - injuries; Skin - metabolism; Wound Healing - physiology

Myofibroblasts of wound granulation tissue, in contrast to dermal fibroblasts, join stress fibers at sites of cadherin-type intercellular adherens junctions (AJs). However, the function of myofibroblast AJs, their molecular composition, and the mechanisms of their formation are largely unknown. We d...