Recombinant tetra-cell adhesion motifs supports adhesion, migration and proliferation of keratinocytes/fibroblasts, and promotes wound healing

An extracellular matrix protein plays an important role in skin wound healing. In the present study, we engineered a recombinant protein encompassing the 9^th and 10^th type III domains of fibronectin, and 4^th FAS1 domain of βig-h3. This recombinant protein, in total, harbors four known-cell adhesion motifs for integrins: Pro-His-Ser-Arg-Asn (PHSRN) and Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) in 9^th and 10^th type III domains of fibronectin, respectively, and Glu-Pro-Asp-Ile-Met (EPDIM) and Try-His (YH) in 4^th FAS1 domain of βig-h3, were designated to tetra-cell adhesion motifs (T-CAM). In vitro studies showed T-CAM supporting adhesion, migration and proliferation of different cell types including keratinocytes and fibroblasts. In an animal model of full-thickness skin wound, T-CAM exhibited excellent wound healing effects, superior to both 4^th FAS1 domain of βig-h3 or 9^th and 10^th type III domains of fibronectin. Based on these results, T-CAM can be applied where enhancement of cell adhesion, migration and proliferation are desired, and it could be developed into novel wound healing drug.