The generation of anchoring fibrils by epidermal keratinocytes: A quantitative long-term study

C. C. Compton, W. Press, J. M. Gill, G. Bantick, K. B. Nadire, G. Warland, J. T. Fallon, E. C. Vamvakas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Anchoring fibrils (AFs) are derived from basal keratinocytes, but the kinetics of their formation is unknown. In this study, de novo generation of AFs by cultured human keratinocyte autografts was assessed from 1 week to 6 years postgrafting. Within 2 weeks, AF population densities were equal to those of normal controls and remained normal thereafter. However, AF diameters were narrow compared to controls (P < 0.05) until 3 years postgrafting. The depth of extension of AF-anchoring plaque lattices into the subjacent stroma was normal by 3 weeks but, after 1 month, was typically 1.5- to 2-fold greater than normal. The findings indicate that: (1) basal keratinocytes immediately re-establish a full complement of AFs; (2) once reformed, AF populations remain normal in density over time; (3) nascent AFs are thin and require several years to reach full maturity; and (4) abnormally thick AF lattices may form over time in healed wounds.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)93-103
Number of pages11
JournalEpithelial Cell Biology
Volume4
Issue number3
StatePublished - 1995
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anchoring fibrils
  • Basement membrane zone
  • Morphometry
  • Type VII collagen
  • Wound healing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cancer Research
  • Cell Biology

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