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Updated: May 8, 2026
05:54
A Mouse Model of Mechanotransduction-driven, Human-like Hypertrophic Scarring
Published on: November 29, 2024
Genetic risk factors for hypertrophic scar development
Callie M Thompson1, Anne M Hocking, Shari Honari
1From the Department of Surgery, University of Washington Regional Burn Center, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle.
Summary
A specific gene variant (SNP) in the p27 gene did not reduce hypertrophic scar (HTS) formation after burns. However, American Indian/Alaskan Native race, facial burns, and larger burn size were identified as key risk factors for HTS.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Genetics
- Burn Surgery
Background:
- Hypertrophic scars (HTSs) affect a significant portion of thermal burn patients, with risk factors including demographics and burn characteristics.
- Genetic variations, specifically single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), are increasingly linked to clinical conditions, prompting investigation into their role in HTS development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a specific p27 gene SNP (rs36228499) and the formation of hypertrophic scars (HTSs) and associated itching after thermal injury.
- To identify independent risk factors for HTS formation in a cohort of adult burn patients.
Main Methods:
- Collected patient and injury characteristics from adult thermal burn survivors.
- Assessed hypertrophic scar severity using Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores at 4-9 months post-injury.
- Performed genotyping for the p27 SNP (rs36228499) using real-time polymerase chain reaction and analyzed data with logistic regression.
Main Results:
- The p27 variant SNP (rs36228499) was not associated with reduced HTS formation or lower itch scores in any genetic model.
- HTS formation was significantly associated with American Indian/Alaskan Native race (OR, 12.2), facial burns (OR, 9.4), and burn size ≥20% TBSA (OR, 1.99).
Conclusions:
- The investigated p27 SNP does not appear to influence hypertrophic scar development or itching in burn patients.
- American Indian/Alaskan Native race, facial burns, and larger total body surface area (%TBSA) burns are significant independent risk factors for HTS.
- The strong association with American Indian/Alaskan Native race suggests potential undiscovered genetic factors contributing to HTS susceptibility.
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