Phenotypic characterization of human keratinocytes in coculture reveals differential effects of fibroblasts from benign fibrous histiocytoma (dermatofibroma) as compared to cells from its malignant form and to normal fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Benign and malignant fibrous histiocytoma present with a considerable difference concerning cellular organization in their vicinity.

OBJECTIVE: Normally appearing epithelium covers the malignant form in contrast to hyperplastic epidermis for benign tumors. It is an open question as to whether the tumor-associated fibroblasts are capable to affect phenotypic features of normal keratinocytes, prompting this comparative analysis.

METHODS: Fibroblasts were isolated from benign and malignant fibrous histiocytomas, respectively, and also from normal dermis. The resulting cell populations were thoroughly characterized immunocytochemically using a large panel of antibodies. The three fibroblast preparations were cocultured with normal interfollicular keratinocytes. Their phenotype was characterized for distinct properties including differentiation and proliferation.

RESULTS: Fibroblasts prepared from both tumor types were phenotypically practically identical with normal dermal fibroblasts. Their activities on keratinocytes were different. Cells prepared from benign fibrous histiocytoma were capable to effect strong expression of keratin 19 and production of a galectin-1-rich extracellular matrix. Fibroblasts isolated from malignant fibrous histiocytoma led to a phenotype very similar to that when keratinocytes were cocultured with normal dermal fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION: Fibroblasts prepared from benign fibrous histiocytoma were biologically active on keratinocytes in a particular manner. Our results on fibroblast activity are suggested to be relevant for morphologic differences observed in vivo between normal epidermis and epidermis adjacent to the studied tumor types.