The syndecan binding sequence KKLRIKSKEK in laminin α3 LG4 domain promotes epidermal repair

Epithelialization of normal wounds occurs by an orderly series of events whereby keratinocytes migrate, proliferate, and differentiate to restore the barrier function. Keratinocyte migration is one of the most earliest and crucial event determining the efficiency of the overall wound repair process. Laminin 332, composed by the association of α3, β3 and γ2 chains, is a major adhesion substrate for keratinocytes and is known for its role in supporting cell adhesion and migration during wound repair. The α3 chain comprises a large globular region in its carboxyl-terminal end, which consists of five homologous globular domains (LG1-LG5), known to be involved in cellular interactions. Recent findings have suggested that the α3 chain C-terminal domains LG45 may have a role to play during the epithelialization phase in wound repair. In the present study, we have analyzed whether a peptide mimicking the major heparin binding sequence KKLRIKSKEK in α3LG45 may interact with keratinocytes to promote cell adhesion and migration. In vitro experiments supported this hypothesis and revealed that the KKLRIKSKEK peptide induces human primary keratinocyte adhesion and has the ability to promote keratinocyte migration when added in the culture medium. To examine the peptide efficacy in vivo, the KKLRIKSKEK peptide was applied over partial-thickness cutaneous wounds in pigs. Compared with vehicle-treated cutaneous wounds, the peptide application significantly promoted early-stage wound healing by accelerating re-epithelialization. Additional beneficial effects such as reduced inflammatory response and decreased granulation tissue formation were also noticed in the peptide-treated wounds.

Human papillomavirus infection is inhibited by host autophagy in primary human keratinocytes

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is severely limited in its natural host, primary human keratinocytes. Our data show HPV infectivity in primary keratinocytes is over 100- and 1,000-fold lower than in established keratinocyte cell lines NIKS and HaCaT, respectively. Here, we show that the basal level of autophagy in primary human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) is higher than in immortalized keratinocytes, and that HPV16 virions significantly induce autophagy in HFKs. Interestingly, HPV16 infectivity is dramatically enhanced by knockdown of essential autophagy genes as well as biochemical inhibition of autophagy. The increase in HPV16 infectivity by autophagy inhibition is most significant in HFKs, showing an inverse correlation with basal HPV16 infectivity in HFK, NIKS, HaCaT, and 293FT cells. Further, inhibition of autophagy delays degradation of HPV16 capsid proteins during virus trafficking, indicating that host autophagy induced by HPV16 virions inhibits infection of primary keratinocytes through rapid degradation of viral capsid proteins.

Caffeoylserotonin protects human keratinocyte HaCaT cells against H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress and apoptosis through upregulation of HO-1 expression via activation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway

Caffeoylserotonin (CaS) has strong radical scavenging activity as well as antioxidant activities, protecting cells from lipid peroxidation, intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, DNA damage, and cell death. The molecular mechanism by which CaS protects against oxidative stress is not well understood. Here, we analyzed the cytoprotective activity of CaS in hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 )-treated keratinocyte HaCaT cells. H2 O2 induced apoptosis in the cells through activation of pro-apoptotic p21, Bax, and caspase-3. Pretreatment with CaS inhibited apoptotic gene expression and activated the anti-apoptotic gene, Bcl-xL. Although CaS did not directly affect heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, pretreatment with CaS augmented HO-1 expression through an increase in NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) stability and stimulation of Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus upon H2 O2 exposure. H2 O2 also induced the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of ERK, p38 MAPK, and Akt. Analysis using specific inhibitors of p38 MAPK and Akt demonstrated that only Akt activation was involved in HO-1 and Nrf2 expressions. In addition, PI3K and PKC inhibitors suppressed HO-1/Nrf2 expression and Akt phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that CaS protects against oxidative stress-induced keratinocyte cell death in part through the activation of Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction via the PI3K/Akt and/or PKC pathways, but not MAPK signaling.

NONO couples the circadian clock to the cell cycle

Mammalian circadian clocks restrict cell proliferation to defined time windows, but the mechanism and consequences of this interrelationship are not fully understood. Previously we identified the multifunctional nuclear protein NONO as a partner of circadian PERIOD (PER) proteins. Here we show that it also conveys circadian gating to the cell cycle, a connection surprisingly important for wound healing in mice. Specifically, although fibroblasts from NONO-deficient mice showed approximately normal circadian cycles, they displayed elevated cell doubling and lower cellular senescence. At a molecular level, NONO bound to the p16-Ink4A cell cycle checkpoint gene and potentiated its circadian activation in a PER protein-dependent fashion. Loss of either NONO or PER abolished this activation and circadian expression of p16-Ink4A and eliminated circadian cell cycle gating. In vivo, lack of NONO resulted in defective wound repair. Because wound healing defects were also seen in multiple circadian clock-deficient mouse lines, our results therefore suggest that coupling of the cell cycle to the circadian clock via NONO may be useful to segregate in temporal fashion cell proliferation from tissue organization.

Genetic pathways in disorders of epidermal differentiation

More than 100 human genetic skin diseases, impacting over 20% of the population, are characterized by disrupted epidermal differentiation. A significant proportion of the 90 genes identified in these disorders to date are concentrated within several functional pathways, suggesting the emergence of organizing themes in epidermal differentiation. Among these are the Notch, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), IκB kinase (IKK), Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), p63, and Wnt signaling pathways, as well as core biological processes mediating calcium homeostasis, tissue integrity, cornification, and lipid biogenesis. Here, we review recent results supporting the central role of these pathways in epidermal differentiation, highlighting the integration of genetic information with functional studies to illuminate the biological actions of these pathways in humans as well as to guide development of future therapeutics to correct their dysfunction.

Laminin 332 processing impacts cellular behavior

Laminin 332, composed of the α3, β3 and γ2 chains, is an epithelial-basement membrane specific laminin variant. Its main role in normal tissues is the maintenance of epithelial-mesenchymal cohesion in tissues exposed to external forces, including skin and stratified squamous mucosa. After being secreted and deposited in the extracellular matrix, laminin 332 undergoes physiological maturation processes consisting in the proteolytic processing of domains located within the α3 and the γ2 chains. These maturation events are essential for laminin 332 integration into the basement membrane where it plays an important function in the nucleation and maintenance of anchoring structures. Studies in normal and pathological situations have revealed that laminin 332 can trigger distinct cellular events depending on the level of its proteolytic cleavages. In this review, the biological and structural characteristics of laminin 332 domains are presented and we discuss whether they trigger specific functions.

Arecoline-stimulated placenta growth factor production in gingival epithelial cells: modulation by curcumin

OBJECTIVE

Placenta growth factor (PlGF) is associated with the progression and prognosis of oral cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study used ELISA, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting to study the arecoline-stimulated (PlGF) protein or mRNA expression in human gingival epithelial S-G cells.

RESULTS

Arecoline, a major areca nut alkaloid and an oral carcinogen, could stimulate PlGF protein synthesis in S-G cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The levels of PlGF protein secretion increased about 3.1- and 3.8-fold after 24-h exposure to 0.4 and 0.8 mM arecoline, respectively. Pretreatment with antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and ERK inhibitor PD98059, but not NF-κB inhibitor Bay 11-7082, JNK inhibitor SP600125, p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, and PI3-K inhibitor LY294002, significantly reduced arecoline-induced PlGF protein synthesis. ELISA analyses demonstrated that NAC and PD98059 reduced about 43% and 38% of the arecoline-induced PlGF protein secretion, respectively. However, combined treatment with NAC and PD98059 did not show additive effect. Moreover, 10 μM curcumin and 4 mM NAC significantly inhibited arecoline-induced ERK activation. Furthermore, 10 μM curcumin completely blocked arecoline-induced PlGF mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

Arecoline-induced PlGF synthesis is probably mediated by reactive oxygen species/ERK pathways, and curcumin may be an useful agent in controlling oral carcinogenesis.

Knowledge building insights on biomarkers of arsenic toxicity to keratinocytes and melanocytes

Exposure to inorganic arsenic induces skin cancer and abnormal pigmentation in susceptible humans. High-throughput gene transcription assays such as DNA microarrays allow for the identification of biological pathways affected by arsenic that lead to initiation and progression of skin cancer and abnormal pigmentation. The overall purpose of the reported research was to determine knowledge building insights on biomarker genes for arsenic toxicity to human epidermal cells by integrating a collection of gene lists annotated with biological information. The information sets included toxicogenomics gene-chemical interaction; enzymes encoded in the human genome; enriched biological information associated with genes; environmentally relevant gene sequence variation; and effects of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on protein function. Molecular network construction for arsenic upregulated genes TNFSF18 (tumor necrosis factor [ligand] superfamily member 18) and IL1R2 (interleukin 1 Receptor, type 2) revealed subnetwork interconnections to E2F4, an oncogenic transcription factor, predominantly expressed at the onset of keratinocyte differentiation. Visual analytics integration of gene information sources helped identify RAC1, a GTP binding protein, and TFRC, an iron uptake protein as prioritized arsenic-perturbed protein targets for biological processes leading to skin hyperpigmentation. RAC1 regulates the formation of dendrites that transfer melanin from melanocytes to neighboring keratinocytes. Increased melanocyte dendricity is correlated with hyperpigmentation. TFRC is a key determinant of the amount and location of iron in the epidermis. Aberrant TFRC expression could impair cutaneous iron metabolism leading to abnormal pigmentation seen in some humans exposed to arsenicals. The reported findings contribute to insights on how arsenic could impair the function of genes and biological pathways in epidermal cells. Finally, we developed visual analytics resources to facilitate further exploration of the information and knowledge building insights on arsenic toxicity to human epidermal keratinocytes and melanocytes.

Ex vivo produced oral mucosa equivalent by using the direct explant cell culture technique

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is the histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of ex vivo produced oral mucosal equivalents using keratinocytes cultured by direct explant technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Oral mucosa tissue samples were obtained from the keratinized gingival tissues of 14 healthy human subjects. Human oral mucosa keratinocytes from an oral mucosa biopsy specimen were dissociated by the explant technique. Once a sufficient population of keratinocytes was reached, they were seeded onto the type IV collagen coated "AlloDerm" and taken for histological and immunohistochemical examinations at 11 days postseeding of the keratinocytes on the cadaveric human dermal matrix.

RESULTS

Histopathologically and immunohistochemically, 12 out of 14 successful ex vivo produced oral mucosa equivalents (EVPOME) that consisted of a stratified epidermis on a dermal matrix have been developed with keratinocytes cultured by the explant technique.

CONCLUSION

The technical handling involved in the direct explant method at the beginning of the process has fewer steps than the enzymatic method and use of the direct explant technique protocol for culturing of human oral mucosa keratinocyte may be more adequate for EVPOME production.

Hailey-Hailey disease and tight junctions: Claudins 1 and 4 are regulated by ATP2C1 gene encoding Ca(2+) /Mn(2+) ATPase SPCA1 in cultured keratinocytes

Mutations in the ATP2C1 gene encoding Ca(2+) /Mn(2+) ATPase SPCA1 cause Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD, OMIM 16960). HHD is characterized by epidermal acantholysis. We attempted to model HHD using normal keratinocytes, in which the SPCA1 mRNA was down-regulated with the small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) method. SiRNA inhibition significantly down-regulated the SPCA1 mRNA, as demonstrated by qPCR, and decreased the SPCA1 protein beyond detectable level, as shown by Western analysis. The expression of selected desmosomal, adherens and tight junction (TJ) proteins was then studied in the SPCA1-deficient and control keratinocytes cultured in low (0.06 mm) or high (1.2 mm) calcium concentration. The mRNA and protein levels of most TJ components were up-regulated in non-treated control keratinocyte cultures upon switch from low to high calcium concentration. In contrast, SPCA1-deficient keratinocytes displayed high levels of TJ proteins claudins 1 and 4 even in low calcium. ZO-1 did not, however, follow similar expression patterns. Protein levels of occludin, beta-catenin, E-cadherin, desmoplakin, desmogleins 1-3, desmocollin 2/desmocollin 3 and plakoglobin did not show marked changes in SPCA1-deficient keratinocytes. Indirect immunofluorescence labelling revealed delayed translocation of desmoplakin and desmoglein 3 in desmosomes and increased intracellular pools of TJ and desmosomal components in SPCA1-inhibited keratinocytes. The results show that SPCA1 regulates the levels of claudins 1 and 4, but does not affect desmosomal protein levels, indicating that TJ proteins are differently regulated. The results also suggest a potential role for claudins in HHD.

Calcium regulation of keratinocyte differentiation

Calcium is the major regulator of keratinocyte differentiation in vivo and in vitro. A calcium gradient within the epidermis promotes the sequential differentiation of keratinocytes as they traverse the different layers of the epidermis to form the permeability barrier of the stratum corneum. Calcium promotes differentiation by both outside-in and inside-out signaling. A number of signaling pathways involved with differentiation are regulated by calcium, including the formation of desmosomes, adherens junctions and tight junctions, which maintain cell-cell adhesion and play an important intracellular signaling role through their activation of various kinases and phospholipases that produce second messengers that regulate intracellular free calcium and PKC activity, critical for the differentiation process. The calcium receptor plays a central role by initiating the intracellular signaling events that drive differentiation in response to extracellular calcium. This review will discuss these mechanisms.

Potential of a PLA-PEO-PLA-based scaffold for skin tissue engineering: in vitro evaluation

This study aimed to investigate the in vitro behaviour of porous degradable scaffolds of the PLA-PEO-PLA-type designed prior to in vivo evaluation for skin tissue engineering. Two tri-block co-polymers were synthesized from PEO and DL-lactide and their degradation was studied under conditions that mimic a cutaneous wound environment. 3-D porous scaffolds with interconnected pores were fabricated using the salt leaching method and characterized by ESEM and Hg porosimetry. The degrading action of gamma sterilization was studied on the co-polymers. The less degraded one was selected to make porous scaffolds on which human dermal fibroblasts and human epidermal keratinocytes were cultured. The capacity of such scaffolds to act as a dermal equivalent was also considered. Colonization by human dermal fibroblasts was shown after hematoxylin staining and the production of major proteins normally found in the extracellular matrix was assessed by Western blotting of protein extracts. Finally, a skin substitute was generated by seeding human keratinocytes on the dermal equivalent and a new epidermis was characterized by using immuno-histological staining. Results show that gamma sterilization and that degradation under conditions that mimic skin wound healing were acceptable. The fact that fibroblasts produce extracellular matrix and that keratinocytes generated an epidermal barrier argues in favour of the interest of this type of porous scaffold for skin reconstruction.

Productive Lifecycle of Human Papillomaviruses that Depends Upon Squamous Epithelial Differentiation

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) target the stratified epidermis, and can causes diseases ranging from benign condylomas to malignant tumors. Infections of HPVs in the genital tract are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases, and a major risk factor for cervical cancer. The virus targets epithelial cells in the basal layer of the epithelium, while progeny virions egress from terminally differentiated cells in the cornified layer, the surface layer of the epithelium. In infected basal cells, the virus maintains its genomic DNA at low-copy numbers, at which the viral productive lifecycle cannot proceed. Progression of the productive lifecycle requires differentiation of the host cell, indicating that there is tight crosstalk between viral replication and host differentiation programs. In this review, we discuss the regulation of the HPV lifecycle controlled by the differentiation program of the host cells.

Cross-regulations among NRFs and KEAP1 and effects of their silencing on arsenic-induced antioxidant response and cytotoxicity in human keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Nuclear factor E2-related factors (NRFs), including NRF2 and NRF1, play critical roles in mediating the cellular adaptive response to oxidative stress. Human exposure to inorganic arsenic, a potent oxidative stressor, causes various dermal disorders, including hyperkeratosis and skin cancer.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the cross-regulations among NRF2, NRF1, and KEAP1, a cullin-3-adapter protein that allows NRF2 to be ubiquinated and degraded by the proteasome complex, in arsenic-induced antioxidant responses.

RESULTS

In human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, selective knockdown (KD) of NRF2 by lentiviral short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) significantly reduced the expression of many antioxidant enzymes and sensitized the cells to acute cytotoxicity of inorganic arsenite (iAs(3+)). In contrast, silencing KEAP1 led to a dramatic resistance to iAs(3+)-induced apoptosis. Pretreatment of HaCaT cells with NRF2 activators, such as tert-butylhydroquinone, protects the cells against acute iAs(3+) toxicity in an NRF2-dependent fashion. Consistent with the negative regulatory role of KEAP1 in NRF2 activation, KEAP1-KD cells exhibited enhanced transcriptional activity of NRF2 under nonstressed conditions. However, deficiency in KEAP1 did not facilitate induction of NRF2-target genes by iAs(3+). In addition, NRF2 silencing reduced the expression of KEAP1 at transcription and protein levels but increased the protein expression of NRF1 under the iAs(3+)-exposed condition. In contrast, silencing KEAP1 augmented protein accumulation of NRF2 under basal and iAs3+-exposed conditions, whereas the iAs(3+)-induced protein accumulation of NRF1 was attenuated in KEAP1-KD cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies suggest that NRF2, KEAP1, and NRF1 are coordinately involved in the regulation of the cellular adaptive response to iAs(3+)-induced oxidative stress.

Transgenic overexpression of keratinocyte-specific VEGF and Ang1 in combination promotes wound healing under nondiabetic but not diabetic conditions

VEGF and Angiopoietin (Ang)1 are growth factors that independently improve wound healing outcomes. Using a tet-repressible mouse model coupled with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, we examined wound healing in diabetic and nondiabetic mice engineered to overexpress keratinocyte-specific (K5) VEGF, Ang1 or Ang1-VEGF combined. All nondiabetic mice healed more rapidly than their diabetic counterparts; however overexpression of VEGF, Ang1 or the combination failed to improve wound closure under diabetic conditions. Conversely, under nondiabetic conditions, combining Ang1 and VEGF resulted in rapid wound closure. Molecular analyses of diabetic and nondiabetic K5-Ang1-VEGF skin revealed no differences in VEGF expression but an 80% decrease in Ang1 under diabetic conditions, suggesting an integral role for Ang1. Nondiabetic K5-Ang1 mice healed more quickly and had significant increases in granulation tissue and a 60% decrease in re-epithelialization 7 days after wounding. Furthermore, Ang1 stimulated primary mouse keratinocytes showed significantly less migration into a wound bed in an in vitro wound healing bioassay and had decreased pMAPK, pNFκB, pAkt, and pStat3 signaling. These data suggest that combined Ang1-VEGF overexpression cannot overcome diabetes-induced delays in wound healing but is efficacious under nondiabetic conditions possibly via Ang1-mediated delays in re-epithelialization and enhancement of granulation tissue formation, thereby allowing more rapid secondary intention healing.

Cytotoxicity patterns of arsenic trioxide exposure on HaCaT keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Arsenic is a ubiquitous environmental toxicant, and abnormalities of the skin are the most common outcomes of long-term, low-dose, chronic arsenic exposure. If the balance between keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, and death is perturbed, pathologic changes of the epidermis may result, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and certain forms of ichthyosis. Therefore, research investigations using in vitro human epidermal cells could help elucidate cellular and molecular processes in keratinocytes affected by arsenic. Data from such investigations could also provide the basis for developing cosmetic intervention for skin diseases caused by arsenic.

METHODS

The viability of HaCaT keratinocyte cultures with or without prior exposure to low-dose arsenic trioxide was compared for varying concentrations of arsenic trioxide over a time course of 14 days because in untreated control cultures, approximately 2 weeks is required to complete cell differentiation. Long-term cultures were established by culturing HaCaT cells on collagen IV, and cells were subsequently exposed to 0 parts per million (ppm), 1 ppm, 5 ppm, 7.5 ppm, 10 ppm, and 15 ppm of arsenic trioxide. The percentages of viable cells as well as DNA damage after exposure were determined on Day 2, Day 5, Day 8, and Day 14.

RESULTS

Using both statistical and visual analytics approaches for data analysis, we have observed a biphasic response at a 5 ppm dose with cell viability peaking on Day 8 in both chronic and acute exposures. Further, a low dose of 1 ppm arsenic trioxide enhanced HaCaT keratinocyte proliferation, whereas doses above 7.5 ppm inhibited growth.

CONCLUSION

The time course profiling of arsenic trioxide cytotoxicity using long-term HaCaT keratinocyte cultures presents an approach to modeling the human epidermal cellular responses to varying doses of arsenic trioxide treatment or exposure. A low dose of arsenic trioxide appears to aid cell growth but concomitantly disrupts the DNA transcription process.

Hair dye-incorporated poly-γ-glutamic acid/glycol chitosan nanoparticles based on ion-complex formation

Background

p-Phenylenediamine (PDA) or its related chemicals are used more extensively than oxidative hair dyes. However, permanent hair dyes such as PDA are known to have potent contact allergy reactions in humans, and severe allergic reactions are problematic.

Methods

PDA-incorporated nanoparticles were prepared based on ion-complex formation between the cationic groups of PDA and the anionic groups of poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGA). To reinforce PDA/PGA ion complexes, glycol chitosan (GC) was added. PDA-incorporated nanoparticles were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier- transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD).

Results

Nanoparticles were formed by ion-complex formation between the amine groups of PDA and the carboxyl groups of PGA. PDA-incorporated nanoparticles are small in size (<100 nm), and morphological observations showed spherical shapes. FT-IR spectra results showed that the carboxylic acid peak of PGA decreased with increasing PDA content, indicating that the ion complexes were formed between the carboxyl groups of PGA and the amine groups of PDA. Furthermore, the intrinsic peak of the carboxyl groups of PGA was also decreased by the addition of GC. Intrinsic crystalline peaks of PDA were observed by XRD. This crystalline peak of PDA was completely nonexistent when nanoparticles were formed by ion complex between PDA, PGA, and GC, indicating that PDA was complexed with PGA and no free drug existed in the formulation. During the drug-release experiment, an initial burst release of PDA was observed, and then PDA was continuously released over 1 week. Cytotoxicity testing against HaCaT human skin keratinocyte cells showed PDA-incorporated nanoparticles had lower toxicity than PDA itself. Furthermore, PDA-incorporated nanoparticles showed reduced apoptosis and necrosis reaction at HaCaT cells.

Conclusion

The authors suggest that these microparticles are ideal candidates for a vehicle for decreasing side effects of hair dye.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin increases the expression of genes in the human epidermal differentiation complex and accelerates epidermal barrier formation

Chloracne is commonly observed in people exposed to dioxins, yet the mechanism of toxicity is not well understood. The pathology of chloracne is characterized by hyperkeratinization of the interfollicular squamous epithelium, hyperproliferation and hyperkeratinization of hair follicle cells as well as a metaplastic response of the ductular sebum secreting sebaceous glands. In vitro studies using normal human epidermal keratinocytes to model interfollicular human epidermis demonstrate a 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-mediated acceleration of differentiation and increase in gene expression of several prodifferentiation genes, including filaggrin (FLG). Here, we demonstrated that the TCDD-activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) bound a small fragment of DNA upstream of the transcriptional start sites of the FLG gene, containing one of two candidate xenobiotic response elements (XREs). Reporter assays using the promoter region of FLG containing the two putative XREs indicated that the increase in this messenger RNA (mRNA) was due to TCDD-mediated enhanced transcription, which was lost when both XREs were mutated. As FLG is part of the human epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) found on chromosome 1, we measured mRNAs from an additional 18 EDC genes for their regulation by TCDD. Of these genes, 14 were increased by TCDD. Immunoblot assays demonstrated that the proteins of FLG as well as that of another prodifferentiation gene, small proline rich protein 2, were increased by TCDD. In utero exposure to TCDD accelerated the formation of the epidermal barrier in the developing mouse fetus by approximately 1 day. These results indicate that the epidermal permeability barrier is a functional target of the TCDD-activated AHR.

Protein kinase C (PKC) delta suppresses keratinocyte proliferation by increasing p21(Cip1) level by a KLF4 transcription factor-dependent mechanism

PKCδ increases keratinocyte differentiation and suppresses keratinocyte proliferation and survival. However, the mechanism of proliferation suppression is not well understood. The present studies show that PKCδ overexpression increases p21(Cip1) mRNA and protein level and promoter activity and that treatment with dominant-negative PKCδ, PKCδ-siRNA, or rottlerin inhibits promoter activation. Analysis of the p21(Cip1) promoter upstream regulatory region reveals three DNA segments that mediate PKCδ-dependent promoter activation. The PKCδ response element most proximal to the transcription start site encodes six GC-rich DNA elements. Mutation of these sites results in a loss of PKCδ-dependent promoter activation. Gel mobility supershift and chromatin immunoprecipitation reveal that these DNA elements bind the Kruppel-like transcription factor KLF4. PKCδ increases KLF4 mRNA and protein level and KLF4 binding to the GC-rich elements in the p21(Cip1) proximal promoter. In addition, KLF4-siRNA inhibits PKCδ-dependent p21(Cip1) promoter activity. PKCδ increases KLF4 expression leading to enhanced KLF4 interaction with the GC-rich elements in the p21(Cip1) promoter to activate transcription.

Glucocorticoid receptors, epidermal homeostasis and hair follicle differentiation

Glucocorticoids (GCs) exert their biological and therapeutical actions through the GC receptor (GR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor. Synthetic GC derivatives are widely prescribed for treating numerous cutaneous inflammatory and immune diseases due to their great efficacy. However, chronic treatment with GCs produces adverse side-effects including skin atrophy, delayed wound healing, and in certain cases, GC resistance. The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic actions of the GR in skin have been extensively studied; in contrast, the role of GR as a modulator of epidermal development and homeostasis has received less attention. The ubiquitous functional inactivation of GR results in defective epidermal formation although the underlying mechanisms have not been fully characterized. The use of transcriptomic approaches both in vitro and in vivo allowed the identification of genes that are regulated by GR in developing and adult skin. A main goal to understand the role of GR in skin biology is to identify primary transcriptional targets as well as the signaling pathways mediating GR action. Furthermore, it will be important to decipher the contribution of GR in the different cellular compartments of the skin, including keratinocytes of the interfollicular epidermis and hair follicles, and their respective stem cell progenitors. Additionally, recent findings indicating that the skin acts as a true peripheral endocrine organ implies greater complexity than originally thought. The local production of GCs and other steroid hormones should be considered as a modulator of skin function under homeostatic and diseased conditions. Finally, studying GR function in skin should take into account that the mineralocorticoid receptor may also mediate GC actions and/or regulate transcription either by itself or in combination with GR. Addressing these issues should help to elucidate the mechanisms by which Gr contributes to establishment of a competent epidermal barrier and may also have implications in the context of dermatological treatments based on GC-analogs.

miR-21 promotes keratinocyte migration and re-epithelialization during wound healing

MicroRNAs involved in keratinocyte migration and wound healing are largely unknown. Here, we revealed the indispensable role of miR-21 in keratinocyte migration and in re-epithelialization during wound healing in mice. In HaCaT cell, miR-21 could be upregulated by TGF-β1. Similar to the effect of TGF-β1, miR-21 overexpression promoted keratinocyte migration. Conversely, miR-21 knockdown attenuated TGF-β1-induced keratinocyte migration, suggesting that miR-21 was essential for TGF-β-driven keratinocyte migration. Furthermore, we found that miR-21 was upregulated during wound healing, coincident with the temporal expression pattern of TGF-β1. Consistently, knockdown of endogenous miR-21 using a specific antagomir dramatically delayed re-epithelialization possibly due to the reduced keratinocyte migration. TIMP3 and TIAM1, direct targets of miR-21, were verified to be regulated by miR-21 in vitro and in vivo, indicating that these two molecules might contribute to miR-21-induced keratinocyte migration. Taken together, our results demonstrate that miR-21 promotes keratinocyte migration and boosts re-epithelialization during skin wound healing.

Fat in the skin: Triacylglycerol metabolism in keratinocytes and its role in the development of neutral lipid storage disease

Keratinocyte differentiation is essential for skin development and the formation of the skin permeability barrier. This process involves an orchestrated remodeling of lipids. The cleavage of precursor lipids from lamellar bodies by β-glucocerebrosidase, sphingomyelinase, phospholipases and sterol sulfatase generates ceramides, non-esterified fatty acids and cholesterol for the lipid-containing extracellular matrix, the lamellar membranes in the stratum corneum. The importance of triacylglycerol (TAG) hydrolysis for the formation of a functional permeability barrier was only recently appreciated. Mice with defects in TAG synthesis (acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase-2-knock-out) or TAG catabolism (comparative gene identification-58, -CGI-58-knock-out) develop severe permeability barrier defects and die soon after birth because of desiccation. In humans, mutations in the CGI-58 gene also cause (non-lethal) neutral lipid storage disease with ichthyosis. As a result of defective TAG synthesis or catabolism, humans and mice lack ω-(O)-acylceramides, which are essential lipid precursors for the formation of the corneocyte lipid envelope. This structure plays an important role in linking the lipid-enriched lamellar membranes to highly cross-linked corneocyte proteins. This review focuses on the current knowledge of biochemical mechanisms that are essential for epidermal neutral lipid metabolism and the formation of a functional skin permeability barrier.

Nanostructured titanium promotes keratinocyte density

Infection of a transcutaneous orthopedic prosthesis is undesirable and decreases the success rate of an implant. Critical to reducing this infection is to develop materials that can decrease bacteria colonization and/or increase skin growth. Since previous studies have demonstrated significantly less bacteria colonization (yet promoted osteoblast, bone forming cell, functions) on titanium (Ti) with select nanofeatures, the objective of this in vitro study was to determine keratinocyte (skin forming cells) functions on Ti modified to have nanoscale surface features. To further promote keratinocyte functions, some Ti surfaces were functionalized with fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). Nanometer-sized topographical surface features were created on traditional Ti implants by anodization (termed nanotubular) and electron beam evaporation (termed nanorough). This study found that compared to conventional (nanosmooth) Ti, the nanotubular and nanorough Ti surfaces promoted keratinocyte density. Moreover, when functionalized with FGF-2, keratinocyte density increased on all surfaces, resulting in the greatest keratinocyte density on nanorough and nanotubular Ti-functionalized with FGF-2 after 5 days of culture. Interestingly, keratinocyte densities on nanorough and nanotubular Ti were similar to that achieved on conventional Ti functionalized with FGF-2. Therefore, when considered in the context of other studies, the results of this in vitro study demonstrated that certain nanometer-sized Ti topographies may be useful for increasing keratinocyte density while reducing bacteria adhesion and promoting bone tissue formation and, thus, should be further studied for improving the efficacy of various transcutaneous Ti-based orthopedic implants.

Long isoforms of NRF1 contribute to arsenic-induced antioxidant response in human keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Human exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs), a potent oxidative stressor, causes various dermal disorders, including hyperkeratosis and skin cancer. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 1 (NRF1, also called NFE2L1) plays a critical role in regulating the expression of many antioxidant response element (ARE)-dependent genes.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the role of NRF1 in arsenic-induced antioxidant response and cytotoxicity in human keratinocytes.

RESULTS

In cultured human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, inorganic arsenite (iAs3+) enhanced the protein accumulation of long isoforms (120-140 kDa) of NRF1 in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. These isoforms accumulated mainly in the nuclei of HaCaT cells. Selective deficiency of NRF1 by lentiviral short-hairpin RNAs in HaCaT cells [NRF1-knockdown (KD)] led to decreased expression of γ-glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and regulatory subunit (GCLM) and a reduced level of intracellular glutathione. In response to acute iAs3+ exposure, induction of some ARE-dependent genes, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), GCLC, and GCLM, was significantly attenuated in NRF1-KD cells. However, the iAs3-induced expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX-1) was unaltered by silencing NRF1, suggesting that HMOX-1 is not regulated by NRF1. In addition, the lack of NRF1 in HaCaT cells did not disturb iAs3+-induced NRF2 accumulation but noticeably decreased Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) levels under basal and iAs3+-exposed conditions, suggesting a potential interaction between NRF1 and KEAP1. Consistent with the critical role of NRF1 in the transcriptional regulation of some ARE-bearing genes, knockdown of NRF1 significantly increased iAs3+-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we demonstrate for the first time that long isoforms of NRF1 contribute to arsenic-induced antioxidant response in human keratinocytes and protect the cells from acute arsenic cytotoxicity.

Modulation of TGF-β-inducible hypermotility by EGF and other factors in human prostate epithelial cells and keratinocytes

Keratinocytes migrating from a wound edge or initiating malignant invasion greatly increase their expression of the basement membrane protein Laminin-322 (Lam332). In culture, keratinocytes initiate sustained directional hypermotility when plated onto an incompletely processed form of Lam332 (Lam332') or when treated with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), an inducer of Lam332 expression. The development and tissue architecture of stratified squamous and prostate epithelia are very different, yet the basal cells of both express p63, α6β4 integrin, and Lam332. Keratinocytes and prostate epithelial cells grow well in nutritionally optimized culture media with pituitary extract and certain mitogens. We report that prostate epithelial cells display hypermotility responses indistinguishable from those of keratinocytes. Several culture medium variables attenuated TGF-β-induced hypermotility, including Ca(++), serum, and some pituitary extract preparations, without impairing growth, TGF-β growth inhibition, or hypermotility on Lam322'. Distinct from its role as a mitogen, EGF proved to be a required cofactor for TGF-β-induced hypermotility and could not be replaced by HGF or KGF. Prostate epithelial cells have a short replicative lifespan, restricted both by p16(INK4A) and telomere-related mechanisms. We immortalized the normal prostate epithelial cell line HPrE-1 by transduction to express bmi1 and TERT. Prostate epithelial cells lose expression of p63, β4 integrin, and Lam332 when they transform to invasive carcinoma. In contrast, HPrE-1/bmi1/TERT cells retained expression of these proteins and normal TGF-β signaling and hypermotility for >100 doublings. Thus, keratinocytes and prostate epithelial cells possess common hypermotility and senescence mechanisms and immortalized prostate cell lines can be engineered using defined methods to yield cells retaining normal properties.