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Altered erythrocyte membrane phosphorylation in psoriasis
Abstract:
Autophosphorylation by [gamma-32P]ATP of erythrocyte membranes from controls, psoriatic patients and patients with skin disorders other than psoriasis was compared by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Compared with controls, membranes from psoriatic patients showed significantly less 32P incorporation in the band 2 region (nomenclature of Fairbanks et al., 1971). In addition, psoriasis and some of the other skin diseases examined displayed decreased phosphorylation in the region of bands 2.9-3 and 4.5-4.8. A new polypeptide band in the 18-20,000 dalton region was also observed in the diseases examined. Altered epidermal plasma membranes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and our findings suggest the defective plasma membranes may be a generalized phenomenon in this disorder.
Insights
Erythrocyte membranes from psoriatic patients show reduced 32P incorporation, indicating defective plasma membranes in psoriasis and other skin disorders. This suggests a generalized membrane defect in these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Altered epidermal plasma membranes are implicated in psoriasis pathogenesis.
- Understanding erythrocyte membrane alterations may provide insights into systemic disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare erythrocyte membrane autophosphorylation in psoriatic patients versus controls.
- To investigate potential plasma membrane defects in psoriasis and other skin disorders.
Main Methods:
- Autophosphorylation of erythrocyte membranes using [gamma-32P]ATP.
- Analysis of protein phosphorylation patterns via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Main Results:
- Psoriatic membranes exhibited significantly reduced 32P incorporation in band 2 compared to controls.
- Decreased phosphorylation was also observed in bands 2.9-3 and 4.5-4.8 in psoriasis and other skin diseases.
- A novel polypeptide band (18-20,000 daltons) appeared in diseased states.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest defective erythrocyte plasma membranes in psoriatic patients.
- The observed membrane alterations may represent a generalized phenomenon in psoriasis and other skin disorders.
- These results contribute to understanding the molecular basis of psoriasis.