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Assessment of Acute Wound Healing using the Dorsal Subcutaneous Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge Implantation and Excisional Tail Skin Wound Models.
Published on: March 25, 2020
Cutaneous wound reepithelialization is compromised in mice lacking functional Slug (Snai2)
Laurie G Hudson1, Kimberly M Newkirk, Heather L Chandler
1Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States.
Journal of Dermatological Science
|August 1, 2009
Summary
Slug (Snai2) is crucial for wound healing, as its absence impairs reepithelialization and epidermal integrity. Slug deficiency in mice led to reduced healing and increased non-healing ulcers after UV radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Keratinocytes at wound edges undergo partial epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- Slug (Snai2), a key regulator of EMT during development, is a potential factor in wound healing.
- Previous in vitro and ex vivo studies suggest Slug's involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the in vivo role of Slug in the process of wound healing.
- Investigate Slug's function in epidermal repair and response to injury.
Main Methods:
- Excisional wounds were created in Slug null and wild type mice.
- Histological analysis and immunohistochemistry for keratins and E-cadherin were performed at various time points.
- Mice were exposed to chronic UV radiation to assess ulcer development.
Main Results:
- Slug null mice showed a 1.7-fold reduction in reepithelialization and increased keratin 8 and E-cadherin expression at wound margins.
- No significant differences in keratins 10, 14, K6, or Ki-67 expression were observed between groups.
- Forty percent of Slug null mice developed non-healing ulcers following UV exposure, unlike wild type mice.
Conclusions:
- Slug is a critical modulator of successful wound repair in adult skin.
- Slug plays a vital role in maintaining epidermal integrity, particularly under chronic injury conditions like UV radiation.
