Connexin 43 deficiency accelerates skin wound healing and extracellular matrix remodeling in mice.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Cellular channels composed of connexin 43 are known to act as key players in the life cycle of the skin and consequently to underlie skin repair.

OBJECTIVE:

This study was specifically set up to investigate the suite of molecular mechanisms driven by connexin 43-based channels on wound healing.

METHODS:

To this end, a battery of parameters, including re-epithelialization, neovascularization, collagen deposition and extracellular matrix remodeling, was monitored over time during experimentally induced skin repair in heterozygous connexin 43 knockout mice.

RESULTS:

It was found that connexin 43 deficiency accelerates re-epithelialization and wound closure, increases proliferation and activation of dermal fibroblasts, and enhances the expression of extracellular matrix remodeling mediators.

CONCLUSION:

These data substantiate the notion that connexin 43 may represent an interesting therapeutic target in dermal wound healing.

• Authors: Bruno Cogliati, Mathieu Vinken, Tereza C Silva, Cintia M M Araújo, Thiago P A Aloia, Lucas M Chaible, Cláudia M C Mori, Maria L Z Dagli
• Journal: Journal of dermatological science (J Dermatol Sci) Vol. 79 Issue 1 Pg. 50-56 (Jul 2015) ISSN: 1873-569X [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 25900674 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Connexin 43
• Collagen

Topics

• Animals
• Cell Proliferation
• Collagen (metabolism)
• Connexin 43 (deficiency, genetics)
• Extracellular Matrix (metabolism)
• Fibroblasts (physiology)
• Heterozygote
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Knockout
• Neovascularization, Physiologic
• Re-Epithelialization (physiology)