Fibrin fragment E potentiates TGF-β-induced myofibroblast activation and recruitment

• Published in: Cellular signalling 2020-08, Vol.72, p.109661-109661, Article 109661
• Main Authors: Fuchs, Peder Öhman, Calitz, Carlemi, Pavlović, Nataša, Binet, François, Solbak, Sara Marie Øie, Danielson, U. Helena, Kreuger, Johan, Heindryckx, Femke, Gerwins, Pär
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fibrinolysis; Fibroblasts; Fibrosis; Inflammation; Wound healing
• ISSN: 0898-6568; 1873-3913; 1873-3913
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109661

Fibrin is an essential constituent of the coagulation cascade, and the formation of hemostatic fibrin clots is central to wound healing. Fibrin clots are over time degraded into fibrin degradation products as the injured tissue is replaced by granulation tissue. Our goal was to study the role of the fibrin degradation product fragment E (FnE) in fibroblast activation and migration. We present evidence that FnE is a chemoattractant for fibroblasts and that FnE can potentiate TGF-β-induced myofibroblast formation. FnE forms a stable complex with αVβ3 integrin, and the integrin β3 subunit is required both for FnE-induced fibroblast migration and for potentiation of TGF-β-induced myofibroblast formation. Finally, subcutaneous infusion of FnE in mice results in a fibrotic response in the hypodermis. These results support a model where FnE released from clots in wounded tissue promote wound healing and fibrosis by both recruitment and activation of fibroblasts. Fibrin fragment E could thus represent a therapeutic target for treatment of pathological fibrosis. •Fibrin is an essential constituent of the coagulation cascade, and fibrin clotting is central to wound healing.•Fibrin clots are over time degraded into fibrin degradation products, including fibrin fragment E (FnE).•FnE is a chemoattractant for fibroblasts and can potentiate TGF-β-induced myofibroblast formation.•FnE released from clots in wounded tissue could promote wound healing and fibrosis.