Collagen type XVI expression is modulated by basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-β

AbstractWe investigated the effects of bFGF and TGF-β on the expression of type XVI collagen, a member of the fibril associated collagen family, in human dermal fibroblasts and arterial smooth muscle cells. We found that bFGF decreased the α1(XVI) collagen mRNA to 18–24% of the controls, while TGF-β increased the mRNA to 150–360%. Immunoprecipitation of metabolically labeled cells revealed corresponding, but less pronounced, changes at the protein levels. The results suggested that type XVI collagen expression is regulated by bFGF and TGF-β in a manner similar to their regulation of the major type I fibrillar collagen produced by these cells