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Development of an Economical DNA Delivery System by "Acufection" and its Application to Skin Research
Published on: April 19, 2017
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Cytosolic RNA:DNA Duplexes Generated by Endogenous Reverse Transcriptase Activity as Autonomous Inducers of Skin
Jean-Pierre Molès1,2,3, Anthony Griez1,2,3, Jean-Jacques Guilhou3,4
1Inserm UMR 1058, Montpellier, France.
Plos One
|January 18, 2017
Summary
Cytosolic DNA in skin cells triggers inflammation in psoriasis. New research reveals RNA:DNA duplexes, formed by endogenous reverse transcriptase, drive this chronic inflammatory disease.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with unknown causes.
- Elevated cytosolic DNA (cyDNA) in keratinocytes is implicated in psoriatic inflammation.
- The origin of cyDNA in keratinocytes remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin of cytosolic DNA (cyDNA) in keratinocytes.
- To determine the role of cyDNA structures in psoriatic inflammation.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA structures within keratinocytes.
- Investigation of endogenous reverse transcriptase activity.
- Assessment of Th1-inflammatory cytokine production.
Main Results:
- Cytosolic DNA in keratinocytes exists as RNA:DNA duplexes.
- Endogenous reverse transcriptase activity generates these RNA:DNA duplexes.
- These duplexes activate Th1-inflammatory cytokine production, driving psoriatic inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous retroelements and RNA:DNA duplexes are a novel source of cyDNA in psoriasis.
- This finding suggests a new research direction for understanding psoriasis etiology.
- The study opens avenues for targeting endogenous retroelements in chronic inflammatory diseases.
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