Prrx1 Fibroblasts Represent a Pro-fibrotic Lineage in the Mouse Ventral Dermis

Cell Rep. 2020 Nov 10;33(6):108356. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108356.

Abstract

Fibroblast heterogeneity has been shown within the unwounded mouse dorsal dermis, with fibroblast subpopulations being identified according to anatomical location and embryonic lineage. Using lineage tracing, we demonstrate that paired related homeobox 1 (Prrx1)-expressing fibroblasts are responsible for acute and chronic fibroses in the ventral dermis. Single-cell transcriptomics further corroborated the inherent fibrotic characteristics of Prrx1 fibroblasts during wound repair. In summary, we identify and characterize a fibroblast subpopulation in the mouse ventral dermis with intrinsic scar-forming potential.

Keywords: Prrx-1; RNA sequencing; RNA-seq; cell barcoding; dermis; fibroblast heterogeneity; fibroblasts; fibrosis; paired related homeobox 1; radiation-induced fibrosis; scarring; single-cell RNA sequencing; transcriptomics; tumor stroma formation; wound healing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dermis / metabolism*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mice

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • PRRX1 protein, human
  • Prrx1 protein, mouse