Introduction: It is known that the microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in basic cell processes, coregulated
by many other factors (cytokins, cell receptors, transcription factors), which all
together form a sophisticated signaling networks important in maintaining tissue homeostasis
and development. We aim to identify cell specific miRNA expression profiles of different
lung fibroblast subpopulations, such as myofibroblast, lipofibroblast and PDGFRa-
precursor cells, which are critically involved during mouse alveolar septum formation.
Methods: Based on specific gene expression of postnatal lung interstitial fibroblasts, we
aim to purify them using FACS sorting, and proceed for further miRNA and mRNA microarray
expression profile analysis.
Results: We expect, that fibroblast cell type-specific miRNAs exhibit temporal and spatial
expression patterns, as it is assumed that lipofibroblasts, myofibroblasts and PDGFRa-precursor
cells fulfill determined functions, and might transdifferentiate to each other during
particular postnatal lung developmental time-points, regenerative lung growth and
diseases.
Conclusion: Fibroblast subsets specified functions, stable phenotype and differentiation to might
be regulated by miRNA specific profiles as a result of developmental plasticity, thus
if the cells heterogeneity is kept under the control of correlated miRNA and mRNA
up-/downregulation as a consequence of activation or diversification processes occurring
in the cells and adaptation of particular phenotype according to physiological or
pathophysiological requirements. A better understanding the processes regulating the
cellular differentiation and cell fate of lung fibroblast might be helpful to develop
regenerative or tissue protective therapeutic strategies of the lung.
