Fibroblast Growth Factor 7 Suppresses Fibrosis and Promotes Epithelialization during Wound Healing in Mouse Fetuses

Abstract

Adult mammalian wounds leave visible scars, whereas skin wounds in developing mouse fetuses are scarless until a certain point in development when complete regeneration occurs, including the structure of the dermis and skin appendages. Analysis of the molecular mechanisms at this transition will provide clues for achieving scarless wound healing. The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family is a key regulator of inflammation and fibrosis during wound healing. We aimed to determine the expression and role of FGF family members in fetal wound healing. ICR mouse fetuses were surgically wounded at embryonic day 13 (E13), E15, and E17. Expression of FGF family members and FGF receptor (FGFR) in tissue samples from these fetuses was evaluated using in situ hybridization and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Fgfr1 was downregulated in E15 and E17 wounds, and its ligand Fgf7 was upregulated in E13 and downregulated in E15 and E17. Recombinant FGF7 administration in E15 wounds suppressed fibrosis and promoted epithelialization at the wound site. Therefore, the expression level of Fgf7 may correlate with scar formation in late mouse embryos, and external administration of FGF7 may represent a therapeutic option to suppress fibrosis and reduce scarring.

Turning gray selenium and sublimed sulfur into a nanocomposite to accelerate tissue regeneration by isothermal recrystallization

“…In this study, according to RNA-seq results, we found that FGF ( fgf7 ) and the Jak-STAT signalling pathway ( il20ra, il13ra1 ) were upregulated after treatment with Nano-Se@S-induced tissue regeneration. The importance of these two signalling pathways has been stressed in zebrafish and mouse studies [ 54 , 55 ]. Thus, our results are consistent with those of previous investigations.…”

Angiopoietin-1 derived peptide hydrogel promotes molecular hallmarks of regeneration and wound healing in dermal fibroblasts

“…Growth factors in the FGF family have been extensively studied in wound healing pathways, making the significant upregulation of FGF2 and FGF7 of particular note. Growth factors encoded by these genes have been recognized for their promotion of keratinocyte re-epithelialization of wounds as well as anti-scarring and anti-fibrotic effects mediated by inhibition of TGF-β2 and α-SMA, 67 potentially suggesting a contribution from FGF modulation to some of the trends observed in ELISA and immunostaining analyses of these factors. Scarless healing associated collagen 3 was only upregulated in the Q-peptide group, with collagen 5 which promotes dermis/epidermis association.…”

Basic fibroblast growth factor induces proliferation and collagen production by fibroblasts derived from the bovine corpus luteum

“…Our studies also showed that PGF2 α injection slightly elevated and then reduced the expression of FGF7 mRNA. Although little is known about FGF7 in the ovary, it was shown to suppress fibrosis and reduce scarring in a wound healing study [85]. Thus, elevations in FGF2 expression and reductions in FGF7 and FGF12 in response to PGF2 α may serve to coordinate matrix remodeling during luteal regression.…”