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Retinoic acid receptor gene expression in human skin
J T Elder1, G J Fisher, Q Y Zhang
1Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0672.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Retinoic acid receptors (RARs) are key to skin responses. RAR-gamma is the main receptor in human epidermis, constitutively expressed and unaffected by topical treatments.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human skin responds to topical retinoic acid (RA).
- Understanding the molecular basis of this response is crucial.
- Nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) mediate RA effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the expression of RAR alpha, beta, and gamma genes in adult human epidermis.
- To investigate the role of RAR-gamma in skin response to RA.
- To determine if RAR expression is altered in psoriatic skin or by topical RA treatment.
Main Methods:
- Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) for protein binding analysis.
- RNA blot hybridization for gene expression analysis.
- Analysis of keratome biopsies and cultured keratinocytes.
Main Results:
- RAR-gamma was the predominant RAR species in human epidermis.
- RAR-alpha transcripts were low; RAR-beta transcripts were undetectable.
- Topical RA treatment did not induce RAR transcripts in epidermis.
- RAR-gamma was constitutively expressed in keratinocytes, dermal, and lung fibroblasts.
- RA induced IL-1 beta transcripts in keratinocytes, indicating RAR activation.
Conclusions:
- RAR-gamma is constitutively expressed in adult human epidermis.
- RAR-gamma is likely a primary molecular target for RA action in skin.
- RAR-gamma expression is not significantly altered by topical RA or psoriasis.