Genetic and Epigenetic Control of the Proliferation and Differentiation of Mouse Epidermal Melanocytes in Culture

Serum-free culture of epidermal cell suspensions from neonatal skin of mice of strain C57BL/10JHir (B10) showed that α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) was involved in regulating the differentiation of melanocytes by inducing tyrosinase activity, melanosome formation, and dendritogenesis. Dibutyryl adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate (DB-cAMP) similarly induced the differentiation of melanocytes. On the other hand, DBcAMP induced the proliferation of epidermal melanocytes in culture in the presence of keratinocytes. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was also shown to stimulate the sustained proliferation of undifferentiated melanoblasts in the presence of DBcAMP and keratinocytes. These results suggest that the proliferation and differentiation of mouse epidermal melanoblasts and melanocytes in culture are regulated by the three factors; namely, cAMP, bFGF, and keratinocyte-derived factors. Moreover, serum-free primary culture of mouse epidermal melanocytes derived from B10 congenic mice, which carry various coat color genes, showed that the coat color genes were involved in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of mouse epidermal melanocytes by controlling the proliferative rate, melanosome formation and maturation, and melanosome distribution.     

Defining Epidermal Basal Cell States during Skin Homeostasis and Wound Healing Using Single-Cell Transcriptomics

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Targeting O-Glycosyltransferase (OGT) to Promote Healing of Diabetic Skin Wounds

Non-healing wounds are a significant source of morbidity. This is particularly true for diabetic patients, who tend to develop chronic skin wounds. O-GlcNAc modification of serine and threonine residues is a common regulatory post-translational modification analogous to protein phosphorylation; increased intracellular protein O-GlcNAc modification has been observed in diabetic and hyperglycemic states. Two intracellular enzymes, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-polypeptide β-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAc-selective N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (OGA), mediate addition and removal, respectively, of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) from intracellular protein substrates. Alterations in O-GlcNAc modification of intracellular proteins is linked to diabetes, and the increased levels of protein O-GlcNAc modification observed in diabetic tissues may in part explain some of the observed underlying pathophysiology that contributes to delayed wound healing. We have previously shown that increasing protein O-GlcNAc modification by overexpression of OGT in murine keratinocytes results in elevated protein O-GlcNAc modification and a hyperadhesive phenotype. This study was undertaken to explore the hypothesis that increased O-GlcNAc modification of cellular proteins in diabetic skin could contribute to the delayed wound healing observed in patients with diabetic skin ulcers. In the present study, we show that human keratinocytes cultured under hyperglycemic conditions display increased levels of O-GlcNAc modification as well as a delay in the rate of wound closure in vitro. We further show that specific knockdown of OGT by RNA interference (RNAi) reverses this effect, thereby opening up the opportunity for OGT-targeted therapies to promote wound healing in diabetic patients.     

Changes in the Proliferative Activity of Epidermal Melanocytes in Serum‐Free Primary Culture During the Development of Ultraviolet Radiation B‐Induced Pigmented Spots in Hairless Mice

Long‐term exposure to ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) induced pigmented spots in the dorsal skin of hairless mice of strain (HR‐1 X HR/De)F₁. To clarify the cellular mechanism for the development of these UVB‐induced pigmented spots, we investigated changes in the proliferative activity of epidermal melanoblasts and melanocytes in the dorsal skin at various weeks after UVB irradiation. Epidermal cell suspensions from the dorsal skin of hairless mice were cultured in a serum‐free medium supplemented with dibutyryl adenosine 3′:5′‐cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The suspensions were prepared from dorsal skins of mice exposed to UVB for 4 weeks (the stage of hyperpigmentation). Suspensions were also prepared from mice at 3 (the stage of depigmentation), 8 (the stage of appearance of pigmented spots), 20 (the stage of development of small‐sized pigmented spots) and 37 (the stage of development of medium‐sized pigmented spots) weeks after the cessation of 8‐week UVB exposure. At the stage of hyperpigmentation the proliferative activity of melanoblasts and melanocytes was suppressed. With the development of pigmented spots, the proliferative activity of undifferentiated melanoblasts gradually increased, and then followed the increase in the proliferative activity of differentiated melanocytes. These results suggest that the proliferative activity of epidermal melanoblasts and melanocytes in UVB‐irradiated skin increases with the development of pigmented spots.     

Haplotype-Specific Interactions of Non-H-2-Linked Genetic Factors Controlling the Mouse C4 and Slp Protein Levels

The influence of non-H-2 linked genes on the plasma levels of the H-2 S-region encoded proteins C4, Slp, and factor B was tested in Recombinant Inbred (RI) strains. The A X B and B X A RI strains exhibit a continuous range of C4 and Slp levels from very high to very low which reach beyond the levels of their parental strains, C57BL/6J and A/J, indicating involvement of several trans-regulatory (non-H-2-linked) genes. Only limited variation in levels of factor B has been found. No linkage relationship could be established for the trans-regulatory genes, because more than one gene is involved. A complex interaction of H-2 haplotype, genetic background, sex, and possibly maternal effect in determining the C4 and Slp protein plasma levels has been observed. The H-2-dependent sex effect is evident, because males have higher C4 levels than females in RI strains with H-2b but not with H-2a haplotype. This sex effect is also background dependent, because it is present in the H-2b congenic strain on A background (A.BY) but not in C57BL/10 and C57BL/6 (both H-2b). Mice from RI strains with H-2b haplotype have in general higher C4 levels than mice with H-2a haplotype.     

In Vivo Imaging Reveals a Pioneer Wave of Monocyte Recruitment into Mouse Skin Wounds

The cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system are essential for the correct healing of adult skin wounds, but their specific functions remain ill-defined. The absence of granulation tissue immediately after skin injury makes it challenging to study the role of mononuclear phagocytes at the initiation of this inflammatory stage. To study their recruitment and migratory behavior within the wound bed, we developed a new model for real-time in vivo imaging of the wound, using transgenic mice that express green and cyan fluorescent proteins and specifically target monocytes. Within hours after the scalp injury, monocytes invaded the wound bed. The complete abrogation of this infiltration in monocyte-deficient CCR2^−/− mice argues for the involvement of classical monocytes in this process. Monocyte infiltration unexpectedly occurred as early as neutrophil recruitment did and resulted from active release from the bloodstream toward the matrix through microhemorrhages rather than transendothelial migration. Monocytes randomly scouted around the wound bed, progressively slowed down, and stopped. Our approach identified and characterized a rapid and earlier than expected wave of monocyte infiltration and provides a novel framework for investigating the role of these cells during early stages of wound healing.     

Aberrant Wound Healing in an Epidermal Interleukin-4 Transgenic Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis

Wound healing in a pre-existing Th2-dominated skin milieu was assessed by using an epidermal specific interleukin-4 (IL-4) transgenic (Tg) mouse model, which develops a pruritic inflammatory skin condition resembling human atopic dermatitis. Our results demonstrated that IL-4 Tg mice had delayed wound closure and re-epithelialization even though these mice exhibited higher degrees of epithelial cell proliferation. Wounds in IL-4 Tg mice also showed a marked enhancement in expression of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, elevated infiltration of inflammatory cells including neutrophils, macrophages, CD3+ lymphocytes, and epidermal dendritic T lymphocytes. In addition, these mice exhibited a significantly higher level of angiogenesis as compared to wild type mice. Furthermore, wounds in IL-4 Tg mice presented with larger amounts of granulation tissue, but had less expression and deposition of collagen. Taken together, an inflamed skin condition induced by IL-4 has a pronounced negative influence on the healing process. Understanding more about the pathogenesis of wound healing in a Th2- dominated environment may help investigators explore new potential therapeutic strategies.     

Genetic Analysis of Nucleotide Triphosphatase Activity in the Mouse Brain

A Ca(2+)- or Mg(2+)-stimulated ecto-ATPase is thought to regulate the hydrolysis of extracellular ATP in nervous tissues. The hydrolysis of nucleotide triphosphates (NTPs) was analyzed in brain microsomal fractions from crosses of DBA/2J (D2) and C57BL/6J (B6) mice. The nucleotide triphosphatase (NTPase) activity was significantly reduced in D2 mice as compared to B6 mice, and B6D2F(1) hybrids had activities intermediate to the parentals. A significant positive correlation was found between the hydrolysis of four NTPs (ATP, CTP, GTP and UTP) in 24 B6 X D2 (BXD) recombinant inbred (RI) strains of mice and in 80 B6D2F(1) X D2 backcross mice. The RI strains and backcross mice fell into two distinct groups with respect to the NTPase activity. Linkage of NTPase activity was suggested with the chromosome 2 markers, D2Mit6 and Ass-1, in the RI strains, and was confirmed by analysis of other markers in the backcross population. These data suggest that the Ca(2+)- or Mg(2+)-stimulated hydrolysis of NTPs, designated Ntp, is regulated by a single gene located on proximal chromosome 2. Although an association was observed previously between Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and susceptibility to audiogenic seizures (AGS), no significant association was observed for the expression of Ntp and AGS susceptibility.     

Deposition of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Surface of Epidermal Melanocytes Suggesting the Stromal Control of Epidermal Pigmentation

Scanning electron microscopy with immunogold labeling was used to demonstrate the in vivo distribution of molecules of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) that were expressed and/or present on the surface of the cells of the normal epidermis and dermal connective tissue of humans. We found that molecules of bFGF, seen as deposits of gold particles, were present densely on the surfaces of the melanocytes but not the epidermal keratinocytes. In connective tissue, these molecules were present exclusively on the surfaces of the fibroblasts, macrophages, vascular endothelial cells, and the basement membrane surrounding the endothelial tube. The selective deposition of bFGF molecules on the melanocytes suggests that the dermal connective tissue may be involved in controlling the proliferation of melanocytes by means of bFGF molecules in vivo, since these melanocytes require bFGF to proliferate in vitro. The latter is synthesized and stored exclusively in the connective tissue.     

负压封闭引流技术促进慢性复杂创面的愈合

目的:探讨负压封闭引流技术(VSD)对慢性复杂创面愈合的治疗效果。方法:选取各类慢性复杂性创面患者共65例,病程均超过3个月,将65例患者随机分为VSD组(35例)及对照组(30例)。VSD组定期更换VSD辅料;2周后视创面愈合情况,选择继续VSD治疗,或行II期修复治疗(直接拉拢缝合,皮片移植,或皮瓣移植修复)。对照组的治疗采用常规换药,即以凡士林油纱布及无菌纱布覆盖创面,内置引流条,每12 h换药一次。两组创面于治疗前及治疗后各个时间点分别对比创面愈合率及创面组织细菌计数。结果:VSD治疗组患者全部愈合,治愈率达100%,对照组30例患者中治愈率为86.7%。两组治愈率相比无明显统计学差异(P0.05)。VSD治疗组平均愈合时间为22±3.3天,对照组平均愈合时间为35±5.8天,两组愈合时间的差异具有统计学意义(P0.01)。治疗后相同检测时间点VSD组创面细菌含量显著低于对照组,两组创面细菌含量的差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:负压封闭引流技术(VSD)在提高慢性复杂创面的愈合率及清除创面细菌方面具有显著的效果。     

Time of X Chromosome Inactivation in Retinal Melanocytes of the Mouse

SEX-LINKED genes in mammals tend to produce a mosaic phenotype in the heterozygous female, which Lyon¹ explained by assuming that, at an unidentified stage in the female embryo, one of the two X chromosomes in each cell becomes inactive in a random manner and remains so in all the descendants of this cell. Russell and Bangham² gave a similar explanation, but maintained that the inactivation did not involve the entire X chromosome and Grüneberg³ has argued that the inactivation is partial, but occurs in both the X chromosomes (see ref. 4).     

小鼠皮肤损伤修复过程中白细胞介素-6对某些炎症因子基因表达的影响

为了解在皮肤损伤修复过程中白细胞介素-6(Interlukin-6,IL-6)对其他炎症因子基因表达的影响,以及对皮肤损伤修复过程的影响,用免疫组织化学染色法和RT—PCR法,检查了IL-6基因敲除鼠(IL-6^-/-鼠)和正常野生型鼠(IL-6^ / 鼠)皮肤损伤后损伤区组织内不同时间的白细胞介素-1α(Interlukin-1α,IL-1α)、白细胞介素-1β(Interlukin-1β,IL-1β)、角质细胞诱导因子(Keratinocyte chemoattractant,KC)、单核细胞诱导蛋白-1α(Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α,MIP-1α)以及单核细胞诱导蛋白-2(Macrophage inflammatory protein-2,MIP-2)这5种炎症因子的基因表达的变化。结果发现：不论是IL-6^-/-鼠还是IL-6^ / 鼠,其被检因子的基因表达都以第3d为高峰,第6d则明显下降;同时,在损伤后的第3d和第6d,IL-6^-/-鼠的5种因子的基因表达水平显著低于IL-6^ / 鼠,而在损伤后的第1d,只有MIP-1α和KC的水平低于IL-6^ / 鼠,而且,IL-6^-/-鼠的皮肤损伤修复过程也稍迟于IL-6^ / 鼠,但皮肤的损伤仍可完全修复。上述结果显示,IL-6在小鼠皮肤损伤过程中诱导其他5种被检因子的产生,从而促进皮肤损伤的修复,但IL-6基因缺失也不会严重影响皮肤损伤的修复。     

Keratinocytes Control the Proliferation and Differentiation of Cultured Epidermal Melanocytes from Ultraviolet Radiation B‐Induced Pigmented Spots in the Dorsal Skin of Hairless Mice

Long‐term exposure of ultraviolet radiation B (UVB)‐induced pigmented spots in the dorsal skin of hairless mice of Hos:(HR‐1 X HR//De) F₁. Previous study showed that the proliferative and differentiative activities of cultured epidermal melanoblasts//melanocytes from UVB‐induced pigmented spots increased with the development of the pigmented spots. To determine whether the increase in the proliferative and differentiative activities of epidermal melanoblasts//melanocytes was brought about by direct changes in melanocytes, or by indirect changes in surrounding keratinocytes, pure cultured melanoblasts//melanocytes and keratinocytes were prepared and co‐cultured in combination with control and irradiated mice in a serum‐free culture medium. Keratinocytes from irradiated mice stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of both neonatal and adult non‐irradiated melanoblasts//melanocytes more greatly than those from non‐irradiated mice. In contrast, both non‐irradiated and irradiated adultmelanocytes proliferated and differentiated similarly when they were co‐cultured with irradiated adult keratinocytes. These results suggest that the increased proliferative and differentiative activities of mouse epidermal melanocytes from UVB‐induced pigmented spots are regulated by keratinocytes, rather than melanocytes.     

基于OCT技术的鼠皮肤激光热损伤修复过程的监测

采用Er:YAG激光(波长为2 940 nm,能量密度为:2.5 J/cm2单光斑,扫描次数为4)照射活体小白鼠皮肤,利用光学相干层析成像(optical coherence tomography,OCT)技术在活体小鼠上观察其皮肤组织在激光作用之前及作用之后光热损伤修复的整个过程,得到了激光光热作用下引起损伤的皮肤组织在此过程中皮肤光学特性参数的变化情况,发现皮肤修复过程中光学参数有显著差异,并分析了这些差异引起的原因,以揭示激光美容中并发症主要因素。     

The Molecular Anatomy of Mouse Skin during Hair Growth and Rest

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