Desmoglein-1 Expression Research Articles

Higher Expression of Lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-Related Inhibitor-1 Fragments and Decreased Desquamation in the Lesional Skin of Nummular Eczema.

Nummular eczema, a chronic dermatitis characterized by coin-shaped lesions, was first documented in 1857. However, its pathophysiological characteristics are still not well known. To investigate differences in the regulation of the desquamation process in the stratum corneum of lesional and nonlesional skin of patients with nummular eczema and healthy control subjects, tape-stripped stratum corneum samples from patients with nummular eczema and healthy volunteers were analysed using immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. In the nummular eczema lesional skin, expression of desmoglein-1, desmocollin-1, and corneodesmosin exhibited a disorganized, dense or partially diffuse non-peripheral pattern with increased intensity, compared with the peripheral patterns observed in healthy or nonlesional skin, suggesting the impaired desquamation process in nummular eczema. Furthermore, although the expression of the desquamation-related serine proteases, kallikrein-related peptidase 7 and 5, was increased in nummular eczema lesional skin, the immunofluorescence staining of lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor-1, an endogenous inhibitor of various kallikrein-related peptidases, and its fragments were significantly increased in the nummular eczema lesional skin, suggesting its contribution to the inhibition of corneodesmosomal degradation. Therefore, the increased detection of corneodesmosomal proteins in nummular eczema lesions may be due to the increased amount of the fragments of lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor-1, which could contribute to delayed desquamation.

Retromer Chaperones: Potential Therapeutics for Treatment of Skin Disease?

Retromer Chaperones: Potential Therapeutics for Treatment of Skin Disease?

Similarities in DSG1 and KRT3 Downregulation through Retinoic Acid Treatment and PAX6 Knockdown Related Expression Profiles: Does PAX6 Affect RA Signaling in Limbal Epithelial Cells?

Congenital PAX6-aniridia is a rare panocular disease resulting from limbal stem cell deficiency. In PAX6-aniridia, the downregulation of the retinol-metabolizing enzymes ADH7 (All-trans-retinol dehydrogenase 7) and ALDH1A1/A3 (Retinal dehydrogenase 1, Aldehyde dehydrogenase family 1 member A3) have been described in limbal epithelial cells (LECs) and conjunctival epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to identify the role of retinol derivates in the differentiation of human LEC and its potential impact on aniridia-associated keratopathy development. Human LEC were isolated from healthy donor corneas and were cultured with retinol, retinoic acid, or pan-retinoic acid receptor antagonist (AGN 193109) acting on RARα, β, γ (NR1B1, NR1B2 NR1B3) or were cultured with pan-retinoid X receptor antagonist (UVI 3003) acting on RXR α, β, γ (retinoid X receptor, NR2B1, NR2B2, BR2B3). Using qPCR, differentiation marker and retinoid-/fatty acid metabolism-related mRNA expression was analysed. DSG1 (Desmoglein 1), KRT3 (Keratin 3), and SPINK7 (Serine Peptidase Inhibitor Kazal Type 7) mRNA expression was downregulated when retinoid derivates were used. AGN 193109 treatment led to the upregulation of ADH7, KRT3, and DSG1 mRNA expression and to the downregulation of KRT12 (Keratin 12) and KRT19 (Keratin 19) mRNA expression. Retinol and all-trans retinoic acid affect some transcripts of corneal LEC in a similar way to what has been observed in the LEC of PAX6-aniridia patients with the altered expression of differentiation markers. An elevated concentration of retinol derivatives in LEC or an altered response to retinoids may contribute to this pattern. These initial findings help to explain ocular surface epithelia differentiation disorders in PAX6-aniridia and should be investigated in patient cells or in cell models in the future in more detail.

Inhibition of desmoglein-1 by aspirin leads to synthetic lethality of keratinocytes in Shuanghuanglian-induced cutaneous eruption response

Cutaneous eruptions caused by the combination of Chinese and Western medicine have attracted widespread attention; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the potential mechanism of cutaneous eruptions in vivo and in vitro using the combination of Shuanghuanglian injection powder (SHL) and aspirin (ASA) as an example. ASA and SHL co-administration induced inflammatory responses in HaCat cells, as evidenced by marked increases in the expression of IL-4 and TNF-α, and the level of apoptosis. Additionally, histopathological investigation of mice skin tissues showed local inflammatory cell infiltration. Western boltting was used to detect the effects of ASA on desmoglein-1 (DSG1) expression; we found that DSG1 expression was down-regulated in vivo and in vitro. Finally, the key components of SHL were administered to HaCat cells with down-regulated DSG1; it was seen that neochlorogenic acid and rutin have a significant effect on HaCat cell apoptosis. These results demonstrate that DSG1 deficiency is a potential cause of cutaneous eruptions caused by the combination of SHL and ASA, and neochlorogenic acid and rutin are the main allergenic components. This study provides a new research strategy for the safety evaluation of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Desmoglein1 Deficiency Is a Potential Cause of Cutaneous Eruptions Induced by Shuanghuanglian Injection.

Cutaneous eruption is a common drug-adverse reaction, characterised by keratinocytes inflammation and apoptosis. Shuanghuanglian injeciton (SHLI) is a typical Chinese medicine injection, which is used to treat influenza. It has been reported that SHLI has the potential to induce cutaneous adverse eruptions. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Since desmoglein 1 (DSG1) shows a crucial role in maintaining skin barrier function and cell susceptibility, we assume that DSG1 plays a critical role in the cutaneous eruptions induced by SHLI. In our study, retinoic acid (RA) was selected to downregulate the DSG1 expression, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was first used to identify the susceptibility of the DSG1-deficiency Hacat cells. Then, SHLI was administrated to normal or DSG1-deficient Hacat cells and mice. The inflammatory factors and apoptosis rate were evaluated by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. The skin pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Our results show that treated only with SHLI could not cause IL-4 and TNF-α mRNA increases in normal Hacat cells. However, in the DSG1-deficient Hacat cells or mice, SHLI induced an extreme increase of IL-4 and TNF-α mRNA levels, as well as in the apoptosis rate. The skin tissue showed a local inflammatory cell infiltration when treated with SHIL in the DSG1-deficient mice. Thus, we concluded that DSG1 deficiency was a potential causation of SHLI induced eruptions. These results indicated that keratinocytes with DSG1 deficiency were likely to induce the cutaneous eruptions when stimulated with other medicines.

Persistent kallikrein 5 activation induces atopic dermatitis-like skin architecture independent of PAR2 activity

Upregulation of kallikreins (KLKs) including KLK5 has been reported in atopic dermatitis (AD). KLK5 has biological functions that include degrading desmosomal proteins and inducing proinflammatory cytokine secretion through protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2). However, due to the complex interactions between various cells in AD inflamed skin, it is difficult to dissect the precise and multiple roles of upregulated KLK5 in AD skin. We investigated the effect of upregulated KLK5 on the expression of epidermal-related proteins and cytokines in keratinocytes and on skin architecture. Lesional and nonlesional AD skin biopsies were collected for analysis of morphology and protein expression. The relationship between KLK5 and barrier-related molecules was investigated using an exvivo dermatitis skin model with transient KLK5 expression and a cell model with persistent KLK5 expression. The influence of upregulated KLK5 on epidermal morphology was investigated using an invivo skin graft model. Upregulation of KLK5 and abnormal expression of desmoglein 1 (DSG1) and filaggrin, but not PAR2 were identified in AD skin. PAR2 was increased in response to transient upregulation of KLK5, whereas persistently upregulated KLK5 did not show this effect. Persistently upregulated KLK5 degraded DSG1 and stimulated secretion of IL-8, IL-10, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin independent of PAR2 activity. With control of higher KLK5 activity by the inhibitor sunflower trypsin inhibitor G, restoration of DSG1 expression and a reduction in AD-related cytokine IL-8, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and IL-10 secretion were observed. Furthermore, persistently elevated KLK5 could induce AD-like skin architecture in an invivo skin graft model. Persistently upregulated KLK5 resulted in AD-like skin architecture and secretion of AD-related cytokines from keratinocytes in a PAR2 independent manner. Inhibition of KLK5-mediated effects may offer potential as a therapeutic approach in AD.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein attenuated desmoglein 1 and desmocollin 2 expression via LOX-1/Ca2+/PKC-β signal in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Numerous studies have reported the presence of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) and expression of its lectin-like receptor, LOX-1, have been shown in atherosclerotic regions. The present study aims to investigate the effects of ox-LDL on expression of desmoglein 1 (DSG1) and desmocollin 2 (DSC2) in endothelial cells, and to explore the role of LOX-1 mediated signal in the permeability injury associated with DSG1 and DSC2 disruption induced by oxidized lipoprotein. RT-PCR and Western blotting were applied to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of DSG1 and DSC2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) respectively. Immunoreactivities of DSG1 and DSC2 were detected by laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). HUVEC monolayers permeability was evaluated by FITC-labeled LDL in transwell assay system. The possible signal was assessed using in vitro blocking LOX-1 or Ca2+ channel or PKC. The DSG1 and DSC2 expression were decreased by ox-LDL in concentration- and time-dependent manner. The effects of ox-LDL were mediated by its endothelial receptor, LOX-1. In parallel experiments, ox-LDL increased the influx of extracellular calcium, activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and permeability to LDL, which was inhibited by the LOX-1blocking antibody (10 μg/ml), Ca2+ channel blocker (Diltiazem, 50 μmol/L) and PKC-β inhibitor (hispidin, 4 μmol/L). These results suggested that ox-LDL-induced decrease in DSG1 and DSC2 expression and monolayer barrier injury via calcium uptake and PKC-β activation following up-regulation of LOX-1 is one of the mechanisms of inducing greater permeability in HUVECs.

Aberrant expression and altered cellular localization of desmosomal and hemidesmosomal proteins are associated with aggressive clinicopathological features of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Disruption of cell adhesion plays a central role in dedifferentiation, invasion, and metastasis of various cancers. The desmosome and hemidesmosome are anchoring junctions that control cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, respectively. To clarify their contributions in mediating the biological properties of oral cancer, we immunohistochemically examined the expression of desmoglein 1 (DSG1), DSG2, DSG3, desmocollin 2 (DSC2), integrin beta 4 (ITGB4), laminin gamma chain 2 (LAMC2), and collagen type 17 alpha 1 (COL17A1) in 51 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma. On normal oral epithelial cells, DSG1, DSG3, DSC2, and COL17A1 were expressed on the plasma membrane, while ITGB4 and mature LAMC2 were present at the basement membrane. In cancer, the expression of DSG1, DSG3, DSC2, and COL17A1 decreased and internalized to the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic expression of DSG2, ITGB4, and LAMC2 was induced in the cancer cells facing to the stroma. We scored immunohistochemical expression and correlated this to clinicopathological parameters including histologic differentiation, pattern of invasion, and presence of lymph node metastasis. Decrease of DSG3 and DSC2 expression correlated with a more aggressive cancer phenotype: less differentiated and more invasive histologic features and a higher incidence of nodal metastasis. Lower COL17A1 and higher LAMC2 expression were also associated with a more aggressive phenotype. The present study demonstrates that aberrant expression and altered cellular localization of desmosomal and hemidesmosomal proteins are associated with aggressive clinicopathological features of oral cancer. This reinforces the notion that disturbance of the keratin-associated anchoring junctions confers aggressive features to cancer cells.

Bile Exposure Inhibits Expression of Squamous Differentiation Genes in Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells

This study aimed to identify pathways and cellular processes that are modulated by exposure of normal esophageal cells to bile and acid. Barrett's esophagus most likely develops as a response of esophageal stem cells to the abnormal reflux environment. Although insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms are slowly emerging, much of the metaplastic process remains unknown. We performed a global analysis of gene expression in normal squamous esophageal cells in response to bile or acid exposure. Differentially expressed genes were classified into major biological functions using pathway analysis and interaction network software. Array data were verified by quantitative PCR and western blot both in vitro and in human esophageal biopsies. Bile modulated expression of 202 genes, and acid modulated expression of 103 genes. Genes involved in squamous differentiation formed the largest functional group (n = 45) all of which were downregulated by bile exposure. This included genes such as involucrin (IVL), keratinocyte differentiation-associated protein (KRTDAP), grainyhead-like 1 (GRHL1), and desmoglein1 (DSG1) the downregulation of which was confirmed by quantitative PCR and western blot. Bile also caused expression changes in genes involved in cell adhesion, DNA repair, oxidative stress, cell cycle, Wnt signaling, and lipid metabolism. Analysis of human esophageal biopsies demonstrated greatly reduced expression of IVL, KRTDAP, DSG1, and GRHL1 in metaplastic compared to squamous epithelia. We report for the first time that bile inhibits the squamous differentiation program of esophageal epithelial cells. This, coordinated with induction of genes driving intestinal differentiation, may be required for the development of Barrett's esophagus.

Expression of DSG1 and DSC1 are prognostic markers in anal carcinoma patients

Background:Our purpose was to investigate if dysregulation of cell adhesion molecules could be linked to prognosis in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the anal region.Methods:Protein expression of desmoglein-1 (DSG1), desmocollin-1 (DSC1) and E-cadherin was studied by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 53 anal carcinoma patients treated by radiation alone or combined with 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C.Results:Univariate analyses identified, among others, negative membranous DSG1 staining (P=0.009), negative cytoplasmic DSC1 staining (P=0.012) and negative DSG1 (membranous)+negative DSC1 (cytoplasmic) staining (P=0.004) to be associated with improved cancer-specific survival (CSS). On multivariate analyses positive DSG1 (membranous)+DSC1 (cytoplasmic) staining (HR 6.95, P=0.044), large tumour size and lymph node metastases (HR 6.44, P=0.004) and radiation without chemotherapy (HR 6.73 P=0.004) were associated with worse CSS. On univariate analysis, improved disease-free survival was associated with negative membranous staining of DSG1 (P=0.047), and negative DSG1 (membranous)+negative DSC1 (cytoplasmic) staining (P=0.025), among others.Conclusion:Membrane negativity for DSG1 and cytoplasmic negativity for DSC1 are favourable markers for CSS in SCCs of the anal region.