Expression of human collagenase-3 (MMP-13) by fetal skin fibroblasts is induced by transforming growth factor beta via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Abstract

SPECIFIC AIMSIn the present study we have examined the possible role of collagenase-3 (matrix metalloproteinase-13; MMP-13), a collagenolytic MMP with a wide substrate specificity, in human fetal skin wound repair characterized by minimal scar formation. The expression of MMP-13 was examined in wounds in human fetal skin grafted on SCID mice, and the regulation of human MMP-13 expression was examined in fetal skin fibroblasts in culture.PRINCIPAL FINDINGS1. Human MMP-13 is expressed by fibroblasts in fetal skin woundsTo elucidate the role and regulation of human MMP-13 in fetal wound repair, which is characterized by minimal scar formation, we first examined the expression of MMP-13 in a well-characterized model of normally healing incisional wound of human fetal skin (16 to 20 wk of gestational age) grafted on SCID mice. MMP-13-positive fibroblasts were detected by immunostaining within the dermal layer in 4-day-old wounds (Fig. 1A⤻ , B⤻ ). Numerous MMP-13-positive dermal fibroblasts were also detected i...