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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
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Isolation, Culture, and Characterization of Primary Dermal Fibroblasts from Human Keloid Tissue
Published on: July 28, 2023
Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic profiling in keloid tissue
Haitao Lu1, Yunhua Zhao2, Baoqiang Li1
1Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China.
Peerj
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Keloid research reveals key molecular pathways driving abnormal skin fibrosis. This multi-omics study identifies therapeutic targets for keloid treatment by understanding fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Proteomics
Background:
- Keloid is a fibrotic skin condition marked by fibroblast overgrowth and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition.
- High recurrence rates underscore the need for deeper molecular understanding to develop effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying keloid formation.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for keloid treatment through multi-omics analysis.
Main Methods:
- Collected 20 keloid tissue samples and adjacent normal skin.
- Performed transcriptome sequencing and proteome analysis.
- Utilized differential expression analysis, WGCNA, and STRING for network analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified 4,994 differentially expressed genes and 828 proteins in keloid tissue.
- Enriched pathways include PI3K-AKT, TGF-β, ECM-receptor interaction, and MAPK signaling.
- Discovered key hub genes (e.g., MAGED1, FN1, COL5A2, IL20RA, CLDN4) linked to ECM accumulation and epidermal disruption.
Conclusions:
- Confirmed a regulatory network of epidermal dysfunction driven by fibroblast overactivation in keloids.
- Provides a theoretical basis for multi-target therapies focused on ECM remodeling and PI3K-AKT/MAPK pathways.
