Human Prostate Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells came from from the embryonic mesoderm. They are useful for a wide range of cellular and molecular studies as they are one of easiest types of cells to grow in culture. Their durability also makes them amenable to a variety of manipulations ranging from studies employing gene transfection to microinjection. There is evidence showing that fibroblasts in various organs are intrinsically different. Fibroblasts secrete a non-rigid extracellular matrix which is rich in type I and/or type III collagen. Human prostate fibroblasts synthesize FGF-like growth factors to stimulate their growth which may be a factor in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Human prostate fibroblasts will provide an in vitro model in the pathophysiological studies of prostatic diseases; such as prostatitis, prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer. They are also useful tools to stablish in vitro disease models for High Throughput and High Content Screening.