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Correlation between hyperproliferation and suprabasal integrin expression in human epidermis reconstituted in culture
K Rikimaru1, J P Molès, F M Watt
1Keratinoctye Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London.
Experimental Dermatology
|February 5, 1998
Summary
Suprabasal integrin expression in skin is linked to hyperproliferation, not inflammation or abnormal differentiation. This finding was observed in cultured keratinocytes, suggesting new models for studying skin conditions like psoriasis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Integrin expression in normal epidermis is typically confined to the basal layer.
- Suprabasal integrin expression is observed during wound healing and in psoriatic lesions.
- The underlying cause of suprabasal integrin expression in skin conditions remains unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in integrin expression in human keratinocytes cultured on dermal equivalents.
- To correlate suprabasal integrin expression with other cellular markers.
- To establish in vitro models for manipulating keratinocyte integrin expression.
Main Methods:
- Culturing normal human keratinocytes on de-epidermized dermis and fibroblast-containing collagen gels.
- Assessing integrin expression patterns over time.
- Evaluating expression of EGF receptor, keratin 10, keratin 16, and the proliferation marker Ki-67.
Main Results:
- Suprabasal integrin expression correlated with suprabasal EGF receptor expression.
- Suprabasal integrin expression was associated with high proliferative activity in basal keratinocytes.
- No correlation was found between suprabasal integrin expression and keratin 10 or keratin 16 expression.
Conclusions:
- Suprabasal integrin expression in keratinocytes is linked to hyperproliferation.
- This phenomenon is not directly related to abnormal terminal differentiation or inflammation.
- Dermal equivalent cultures serve as valuable models for studying keratinocyte integrin expression.