In coculture experiments of HeLa cells with normal human fibroblasts, the parameters cell:cell ratio and feeding frequency can be monitored in a way that the growth of fibroblasts can flourish to the point where fibroblasts attack and destroy cancer cells.

The molecular mechanisms of peroxisome biogenesis have begun to emerge; in contrast, relatively little is known about how the organelle functions as cells age. In this report, we characterize age-related changes in peroxisomes of human cells. We show that aging compromises peroxisomal targeting signal 1 (PTS1) protein import, affecting in particular the critical antioxidant enzyme catalase. The...

We have examined the combined effects of transforming growth factor-fl (TGF-,8), serum and y-interferon (y-IFN) on collagen synthesis by fibroblasts and compared the response of fibroblast subpopulations to TGF-,6. Human diploid fibroblasts were treated with TGF-/J alone and with serum or y-IFN. Cells were labelled with radioactive amino acids, and collagen production was measured as collagenas...

BACKGROUND For therapeutic usage of induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells, to accomplish xeno-free culture is critical. Previous reports have shown that human embryonic stem (ES) cells can be maintained in feeder-free condition. However, absence of feeder cells can be a hostile environment for pluripotent cells and often results in karyotype abnormalities. Instead of animal feeders, human fibrob...

Besides extracellular matrix production, fibroblasts are able to produce various cytokines. Their ubiquitous position makes fibroblasts appropriate cells for sensing various noxious stimuli and for attracting immune cells in the affected area. In the present study the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)) on the above fibroblasts functions were evaluated in primary hu...