Alteration in cell morphology triggers transforming growth factor-beta 1, collagenase, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-I expression in normal and hypertrophic scar fibroblasts.

Using immunocytochemistry and Northern blot analysis, we investigated the role of cell morphology and reorganization of the cytoskeleton in the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in human dermal fibroblasts. Disruption of the cytoskeleton was induced by three different agents--trypsin, ethyl-eneglycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), or cytochalasin--and was confirmed by staining with rhodamine-labeled phalloidin. Immunocytochemical staining with antibodies specific for TGF-beta 1 revealed a cell-shape-related induction of TGF-beta 1. Northern blot analysis of total RNA showed a significant increase in the expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA as early as 4 h and peaking at 12 h after disruption of the cytoskeleton. Quantitative analysis of TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression at 4 h after treatment with trypsin, EGTA, or cytochalasin C showed increases of 2.6-, 3.3-, and 2.6-fold, respectively. Disruption of the cytoskeleton by trypsin, EGTA, or cytochalasin C increased mRNA for collagenase by 3.8-fold, 2.3-fold, or 2.5-fold, respectively. The expression of mRNA for tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases I (TIMP-I) also showed a 3.2-fold increase by trypsin, a 3.6-fold increase by EGTA, and a 2.5-fold increase by cytochalasin C. Cell-shape-related induction of TGF-beta 1, collagenase, and TIMP-I genes appears to be selective, as the levels of mRNA for fibronectin and type I procollagen were not significantly altered. These data suggest that gene expression of TGF-beta 1, collagenase, and TIMP-I is governed by the status of the cytoskeleton microfilament organization, which may be a mechanism of gene regulation during cell division, migration, and differentiation, events fundamental to wound healing.