Hyaluronan is increased in hypertrophic scarring and has been shown to influence cellular differentiation. The hypothesis to be tested is that cutaneous fibroblasts are functionally heterogeneous and that trauma gives rise to abnormal scar fibroblasts with altered capacity to respond to TGF-b1 and PDGF.
The Specific Aims are to (1) determine whether the expression of TGF-b1 differs in fibroblasts derived from normal and abnormal orofacial scar tissues; (2) determine whether exogenous TGF-b1 produces differential activation of fibroblasts derived from normal vs. abnormal tissues by altering the expression of PDGF-alpha or -b receptors; and (3) examine whether TGF-b1 modulates the synthesis of either hyaluronan or hyaluronan receptors in fibroblasts derived from normal and abnormal scar tissues in an autocrine manner. The expression of TGF-b1 will be assayed in organ and cell cultures from normal and abnormal skin. The effects of TGF-b1 on PDGF receptors and CD44 (a hyaluronan receptor) mRNA and protein will be monitored by Northern blots, immunocytochemistry and radioimmunobinding. The effects of TGF-b1 on the synthesis of hyaluronan will also be monitored in cells using a radiolabeled hyaluronan precursor.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
5R29DE010033-02
Application #
2131011
Study Section
Oral Biology and Medicine Subcommittee 1 (OBM)
Project Start
1993-08-01
Project End
1998-07-31
Budget Start
1994-08-01
Budget End
1995-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Dentistry
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
119132785
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095