Human renal fibroblast contraction of collagen I lattices is an integrinmediated process

Abstract

Background. Expression of the β1 family of integrins allows dermal fibroblasts in wounds to contribute to the healing process through migration, adhesion, synthesis, and rearrangement of extracellular matrix. To date the ability of human renal fibroblasts to reorganize collagens and the role of cell surface receptors in this process remain unknown. Methods. Renal fibroblasts were grown from the cortical tissue of surgically removed human kidneys. The ability of human renal fibroblasts to reorganize interstitial collagen I was examined in vitro using solidified collagen I lattices. Integrin function was blocked by incubating fibroblasts with isotype-specific antibodies prior to addition to co..