Abstract
Hypoxia is associated with tissue injury and fibrosis but its functional role in fibroblast activation and tissue repair/regeneration is unknown. Using kidney injury as a model system, we demonstrate that injured epithelial cells produce an increased number of exosomes with defined genetic information to activate fibroblasts. Exosomes released by injured epithelial cells promote proliferation, a-smooth muscle actin expression, F-actin expression, and type I collagen production in fibroblasts. Fibroblast activation is dependent on exosomes delivering TGF-b1 mRNA among other yet to be identified moieties. This study suggests that TGF-b1 mRNA transported by exosomes constitutes a rapid response to initiate tissue repair/regenerative responses and activation of fibroblasts when resident parenchyma is injured. The results also inform potential utility of exosome-targeted therapies to control tissue fibrosis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 385-392 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of the American Society of Nephrology |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 28 2013 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nephrology