Human Primary Dermal Fibroblasts Interacting with 3-Dimensional Matrices for Surgical Application Show Specific Growth and Gene Expression Programs

Several types of 3-dimensional (3D) biological matrices are employed for clinical and
surgical applications, but few indications are available to guide surgeons in the choice among
these materials. Here we compare the in vitro growth of human primary fibroblasts on different
biological matrices commonly used for clinical and surgical applications and the activation of
specific molecular pathways over 30 days of growth. Morphological analyses by Scanning Electron
Microscopy and proliferation curves showed that fibroblasts have different ability to attach and
proliferate on the different biological matrices. They activated similar gene expression programs,
reducing the expression of collagen genes and myofibroblast differentiation markers compared to
fibroblasts grown in 2D. However, differences among 3D matrices were observed in the expression
of specific metalloproteinases and interleukin-6. Indeed, cell proliferation and expression of matrix
degrading enzymes occur in the initial steps of interaction between fibroblast and the investigated
meshes, whereas collagen and interleukin-6 expression appear to start later. The data reported here
highlight features of fibroblasts grown on different 3D biological matrices and warrant further studies
to understand how these findings may be used to help the clinicians choose the correct material for
specific applications.