Identification and Targeted Inhibition of a Fibroblast Lineage Responsible for Scarring and Cancer Stroma

Dermal fibroblasts represent a heterogeneous population of cells with diverse features that remain largely undefined due to a lack of functional subclasses. Here we reveal the presence of multiple lineages of dermal fibroblasts within the dorsal back. Genetic lineage tracing and transplantation assays demonstrate that the bulk of connective tissue deposition during embryonic development, cutaneous wound healing, radiation fibrosis, and cancer stroma formation is carried out by a single, somitic-derived fibroblast lineage. Reciprocal transplantation of distinct fibroblast lineages between the dorsal back and oral cavity induced ectopic dermal architectures that mimic their place–of-origin. These studies demonstrate that intra and inter-site diversity of dermal architectures are set embryonically and maintained postnatally by distinct lineages of fibroblasts. Lineage-specific cell ablation using transgenic-mediated expression of the simian diphtheria toxin receptor in conjunction with localized administration of diphtheria toxin led to diminished connective tissue deposition in wounds and significantly reduced melanoma growth in the dorsal skin of mice. Using flow cytometry and in silico approaches, we identify CD26/DPP4 as a surface marker that allows for the isolation of this fibrogenic, scar-forming lineage. Small molecule-based inhibition of CD26/DPP4 enzymatic activity during wound healing results in diminished cutaneous scarring. The identification and prospective isolation of these lineages holds promise for translational medicine aimed at in vivo modulation of their fibrogenic behavior.