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Effects of Propionibacterium acnes on various mRNA expression levels in normal human epidermal keratinocytes in vitro

Narifumi Akaza1, Hirohiko Akamatsu, Masataka Kishi

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan. akaza.narifumi@menard.co.jp

The Journal of Dermatology
|April 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) impacts acne by altering keratinocyte differentiation and inflammation. This study reveals P. acnes influences specific keratin and cytokine markers in skin cells, suggesting a dual role in acne pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a key factor in acne vulgaris pathogenesis.
  • P. acnes is known to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine production in keratinocytes.
  • The specific effects of P. acnes on keratinocyte differentiation remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of P. acnes on the differentiation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) in vitro.
  • To analyze the expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines upon P. acnes exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of NHEK to various P. acnes strains in an in vitro model.
  • Analysis of mRNA expression levels for key keratinocyte differentiation markers (keratins, involucrin, filaggrin, transglutaminase) and cytokines (interleukin).

Main Results:

  • P. acnes exposure altered the expression of multiple keratinocyte differentiation markers.
  • Increased expression of transglutaminase (TGase), keratin 17 (K17), and interleukin (IL) mRNA.
  • Decreased expression of keratin 1 (K1) and keratin 10 (K10) mRNA; variable effects on K6, K16, and involucrin depending on bacterial strain.

Conclusions:

  • P. acnes influences keratinocyte differentiation in vitro, impacting markers beyond just inflammation.
  • P. acnes contributes to acne pathogenesis through both inflammation and modulation of keratinocyte differentiation.
  • NHEK responses to P. acnes can vary based on the specific bacterial strain involved.

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