Keloid Patient Plasma-Derived Exosomal hsa_circ_0020792 Promotes Normal Skin Fibroblasts Proliferation, Migration,...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Keloids are fibroproliferative disorders impacting patient quality of life.
• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) in exosomes are implicated in diseases, but their role in keloids is unclear.
• Hsa_circ_0020792 is upregulated in keloid tissues, yet its function in plasma-derived exosomes is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of hsa_circ_0020792 within exosomes derived from keloid patient plasma.
• To determine the impact of exosomal hsa_circ_0020792 on normal skin fibroblasts (NFs).
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which exosomal hsa_circ_0020792 influences keloid formation.

Main Methods:

• Exosomes were isolated from plasma of keloid patients and healthy controls.
• Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to measure hsa_circ_0020792 and miR-193a-5p levels.
• Effects on fibroblast viability, migration, extracellular matrix synthesis, apoptosis, and fibrogenesis were assessed.

Main Results:

• Keloid patient exosomes showed significantly higher hsa_circ_0020792 levels compared to controls.
• These exosomes promoted NF proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix synthesis, while reducing apoptosis.
• Downregulation of hsa_circ_0020792 reversed these effects, implicating it in fibrogenesis via TGF-β signaling and miR-193a-5p modulation.

Conclusions:

• Plasma-derived exosomal hsa_circ_0020792 promotes keloid fibroblast proliferation, migration, and fibrogenesis.
• This process involves the modulation of miR-193a-5p and activation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.
• Exosomal hsa_circ_0020792 represents a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for keloids.