Dose‐dependent dominance: How cell densities design stromal cell functions during soft tissue healing. (15th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kuhn, Philipp; Bubel, Monika; Jennewein, Martina; Guthörl, Silke; Pohlemann, Tim; Oberringer, Martin
• Is Part Of: Cell biochemistry and function. Volume 40:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 439
• Page End: 450
• Publication Date: 2022-06-15
• Subjects: adipose‐derived stem cell -- endothelial cell -- fibroblast -- pericyte -- stromal cell -- tissue repair -- wound healing; Cytochemistry -- Periodicals; Cell metabolism -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-6484

Abstract

Abstract: Regular soft tissue healing relies on the well‐organized interaction of different stromal cell types with endothelial cells. However, spatiotemporal conditions might provoke high densities of one special stromal cell type, potentially leading to impaired healing. Detailed knowledge of the functions of rivaling stromal cell types aiming for tissue contraction and stabilization as well as vascular support is mandatory. By the application of an in vitro approach comprising the evaluation of cell proliferation, cell morphology, myofibroblastoid differentiation, and cytokine release, we verified a density‐dependent modulation of these functions among juvenile and adult fibroblasts, pericytes, and adipose‐derived stem cells during their interaction with microvascular endothelial cells in cocultures. Results indicate that juvenile fibroblasts rather support angiogenesis via paracrine regulation at the early stage of healing, a role potentially compromised in adult fibroblasts. In contrast, pericytes showed a more versatile character aiming at angiogenesis, vessel stabilization, and tissue contraction. Such a universal character was even more pronounced among adipose‐derived stem cells. The explicit knowledge of the characteristic functions of stromal cell types is a prerequisite for the development of new analytical and therapeutic approaches for impaired soft tissue healing. The present study delivers new considerations concerning the roles of rivaling stromal cell types within a granulation tissue, pointing to extraordinary properties of pericytes and adipose‐derived stem cells. Significance statement: Soft tissue healing is a spatio‐temporal scenario where cell proliferation and tissue contraction as well as angiogenesis and vessel stabilization are profound requirements. This tissue re‐organization process therefore implies cell interactions that might be orchestrated by a cell density dependent modulation of cell functions. In our approach, we propose an in vitro coculture model where different stromal cell types like juvenile and adult fibroblasts, pericytes, and adipose‐derived stem cells are analyzed according to their interaction with microvascular endothelial cells in different cell densities. With respect to cytokines relevant for tissue repair associated angiogenesis and inflammation like VEGF, IL‐6, and MCP‐1 as well as α‐SMA expression along with myofibroblastoid differentiation, we show the fibroblasts' participation in tissue stabilization and contraction and the more versatile character of pericytes and adipose‐derived stem cells during the healing process.