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Published on: June 26, 2016
Periostin drives psoriasis progression through the stimulation of cutaneous nerve fibers
Caiwei Zhuang1,2,3,4, Qiulin Dong1,2,3,4, Minjie Liu1,2,3,4
1Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Cutaneous nerve fibers play a significant regulatory role in psoriasis progression, with periostin (POSTN) acting as a key molecule in the neuro-immune-cutaneous axis. Using patient samples, neuronal cultures, and Postn -/- mice, we investigated the role of POSTN through molecular, histological, and transcriptomic analyses. Results demonstrated that POSTN is upregulated in psoriatic epidermis and dermis. Conversely, Postn -/- mice displayed alleviated psoriasis-like symptoms, decreased cutaneous nerve fiber density, and reduced nociceptive dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons with impaired neurite complexity. Mechanistically, POSTN promotes axonal growth by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, applying cilengitide gel improved psoriatic skin lesions. Ultimately, this study identifies POSTN as a crucial regulator of cutaneous nerve fiber growth during psoriasis progression, highlighting its promise as a therapeutic target.
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