While fibroblasts are collectively known to produce collagen and other proteins in skin and connective tissues, new data points to functional variances amongst sub-groups of fibroblasts—and one in particular with a major collagen-building role when it comes to wound healing.

Researchers from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor used the cell surface protein dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (CD26) to identify functionally unique fibroblast subpopul­ations in human skin. The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, explained how using flow cytometry and immunohi­stology, CD26, in combination with the cell surface glycoprotein CD90, successfully identified a subpopulation of fibroblasts.

This particular sub-group of fibroblasts, referred to as CD26+, expressed relatively high levels of type I collagen, a hallmark of fibroblasts. More importantly, they did so selectively, increasing expression following skin wounding. Furthermore, the researchers noted the proportion of CD26+ fibroblasts in young versus aged skin is similar, indicating the loss of collagen production during aging does not involve a reduction in CD26+ fibroblasts.

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Published by Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 19, 2020