Comparison of Transforming Growth Factor-β/Smad Signaling between Normal Dermal Fibroblasts and Fibroblasts derived from Central and Peripheral Areas of Keloid Lesions

Abstract

Background: Keloids are benign proliferations of fibroblasts, but their exact etiology and molecular pathogenesis are unknown. Materials and Methods: Fibroblasts were isolated from the central and peripheral regions of keloids, and the growth behavior and molecular characteristics of the keloid fibroblasts were compared with those of age-adjusted normal dermal fibroblasts. Results: Central (but not peripheral) keloid fibroblasts exhibited significantly increased growth and high levels of expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) receptor 1 and Smad 2/3. Conclusion: Proliferation of central keloid fibroblasts, which results in keloid formation, appears to mainly involve the TGF-β/Smad pathway.