Objective Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3) regulates the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of β-catenin, thereby preventing aberrant activation of the canonical Wnt pathway. A study was undertaken to define the role of GSK-3 in fibroblast activation and in experimental models of systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods siRNA and specific inhibitors were used to inhibit GSK-3 in cultured fibroblasts and in mice. Activation of the canonical Wnt signalling was analysed by determining the levels of nuclear β-catenin and by measuring the mRNA levels of the Wnt target gene Axin2. The effects of GSK-3 on the release of collagen were evaluated in human dermal fibroblasts and in the mouse model of bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis in tight-skin-1 (tsk-1) mice.

Results Targeting GSK-3 potently activated the canonical Wnt pathway in fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo. Inactivation of GSK-3 dose-dependently stimulated the release of collagen from cultured fibroblasts in a β-catenin-dependent manner and further resulted in progressive accumulation of collagen and dermal thickening in mice. Inhibition of GSK-3 aggravated experimental fibrosis in bleomycin-challenged mice and in tsk-1 mice.

Conclusion Inhibition of GSK-3 activates the canonical Wnt pathway in fibroblasts, stimulates the release of collagen from fibroblasts, exacerbates experimental fibrosis and is sufficient to induce fibrosis. GSK-3 is therefore a key regulator of the canonical Wnt signalling in fibroblasts and inhibition of GSK-3 results in fibroblast activation and increased release of collagen.