Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Tracking Drug-induced Changes in Receptor Post-internalization Trafficking by Colocalizational Analysis
07:48

Tracking Drug-induced Changes in Receptor Post-internalization Trafficking by Colocalizational Analysis

Published on: July 3, 2015

8.2K

The δ-opioid receptor affects epidermal homeostasis via ERK-dependent inhibition of transcription factor POU2F3

Christine Neumann1, Mei Bigliardi-Qi2, Christian Widmann3

  • 1Experimental Dermatology Laboratory, Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore; Doctoral School Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Dorigny, Switzerland; These authors contributed equally to this work.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|September 2, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Activation of the delta-opioid receptor (DOPr) in human skin inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, impacting epidermal thickness. This signaling pathway involves the ERK pathway and affects key epidermal proteins.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Neuropeptides and receptors are vital for skin homeostasis and wound healing.
  • Mechanisms linking neuropeptide signaling to keratinocyte function are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of delta-opioid receptor (DOPr) signaling in human keratinocytes.
  • To investigate the impact of DOPr activation on epidermal development and homeostasis.

Main Methods:

  • Organotypic skin models were used to study keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.
  • Analysis included keratin intermediate filament (KRT10), involucrin (IVL), loricrin, and filaggrin expression.
  • Investigated the role of the transcription factor POU2F3 and the ERK pathway.

Main Results:

  • DOPr activation inhibited human keratinocyte proliferation, reducing epidermal thickness.
  • Delayed KRT10 induction and disrupted IVL, loricrin, and filaggrin expression were observed.
  • DOPr signaling led to ERK-dependent downregulation of the transcription factor POU2F3.

Conclusions:

  • DOPr signaling, via the ERK pathway, regulates keratinocyte function and epidermal morphogenesis.
  • DOPr activation significantly influences human epidermal homeostasis.
  • Findings complement studies in DOPr-deficient mice, highlighting the receptor's role in skin.

More Related Videos

Combining Laser Capture Microdissection and Microfluidic qPCR to Analyze Transcriptional Profiles of Single Cells: A Systems Biology Approach to Opioid Dependence09:54

Combining Laser Capture Microdissection and Microfluidic qPCR to Analyze Transcriptional Profiles of Single Cells: A Systems Biology Approach to Opioid Dependence

Published on: March 8, 2020

4.7K
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Active ERK in the C. elegans Germline08:40

Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Active ERK in the C. elegans Germline

Published on: November 29, 2016

11.6K

Related Concept Videos

Opioid Receptors: Overview01:22

Opioid Receptors: Overview

Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2,...
7.0K
Analgesia and Pain Management01:25

Analgesia and Pain Management

Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
3.2K
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
6.4K
GPCR Desensitization01:12

GPCR Desensitization

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling plays a crucial role in cell functioning. GPCR desensitization is an equally essential process. It allows cells to respond to changing environments and regain sensitivity to new stimuli while preventing unnecessary stimulation when no longer needed. Prolonged exposure to stimuli leads to GPCR desensitization. It involves blocking the receptors from binding and activating additional G proteins. This inhibits activation of downstream effectors, thereby...
6.1K
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
7.4K
Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
6.0K