Stimulation of normal human fibroblast collagen production and processing by transforming growth factor-β

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF β) a growth factor with diverse effects on cellular growth and metabolism, caused dramatic stimulation of total protein and collagen synthesis by confluent normal human dermal fibroblasts in culture in a dose-dependent manner. Gel electrophoresis of the newly synthesized macromolecules from the culture media of TGF β treated cultures demonstrated accelerated procollagen processing. These results indicate that TGF β is capable of qualitatively and quantitatively influencing the biosynthesis of matrix molecules by fibroblasts, and raise the possibility that TGF may play a role in the development of normal and pathologic fibrogenesis.