Rectal Fibroblasts (RF)

Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells derived from the embryonic mesoderm. They have been extensively used for a wide range of cellular and molecular studies as they are one of the easiest types of cells to grow in culture. Their durability also makes them amenable to a wide variety of manipulations ranging from studies employing gene transfection to microinjection. 

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by damage to the intestinal epithelium and connective tissue. Some UC individuals may have more efficient antioxidant systems that protect the telomeres from oxidative damage. This may allow their rectal fibroblasts to live longer, function better and thus delay the onset of the disease until later life. It shows that functional changes to human rectal fibroblasts can impair wound healing and affect epithelial cell proliferation in ulcerative colitis patients. Primary rectal fibroblasts can be used to study the pathophysiology of rectal cancer, and the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.