Tensin 1 Is Essential for Myofibroblast Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Formation.

Myofibroblasts, the primary effector cells that mediate matrix remodeling during pulmonary fibrosis, rapidly assemble an extracellular fibronectin matrix. Tensin (TNS) 1 is a key component of specialized cellular adhesions (fibrillar adhesions) that bind to extracellular fibronectin fibrils. We hypothesized that TNS1 may play a role in modulating myofibroblast-mediated matrix formation.

Myofibroblasts exhibit enhanced fibronectin assembly that is intrinsic to their contractile phenotype.

Myofibroblasts have increased expression of contractile proteins and display augmented contractility. It is not known if the augmented contractile gene expression characterizing the myofibroblast phenotype impacts its intrinsic ability to assemble fibronectin (FN) and extracellular matrix. In this study we investigated whether myofibroblasts displayed increased rates of FN fibril assembly when compared with their undifferentiated counterparts.