The effect of hyaluronan on the motility of skin dermal fibroblasts in nanofibrous scaffolds

Nanofibrous scaffolds that use the native extracellular matrix are promising developments in skin tissue regeneration because they provide the proper environment for the adhesion, migration and growth of skin dermal fibroblasts, important during wound healing. In this study, we focus on hyaluronan as a native ECM that regulates cellular motility in nanofibrous scaffolds. PCL/HA nanofibrous scaffolds were generated by electrospinning and assessed for various physicochemical properties. HA-based scaffolds significantly enhanced cell infiltration in vitro and in vivo. The observation of movements in living cells revealed that HA-based scaffolds regulated cell migration speed and direction. This phenomenon may influences by the variation in cell adhesion receptors-integrin β1, and vinculin formation and distribution. Furthermore, we confirmed that HA/CD44 interactions can activate the TGF-β/MMP-2 signaling pathway that promotes cell motility. These findings suggest HA functions in the cell motility of nanofibrous scaffolds and have potential implications for the use of HA-based scaffolds in skin tissue regeneration applications.