MC1R determines healing outcomes in acute and chronic cutaneous wounds.

ABSTRACT: Chronic wounds (CWs) represent a major clinical challenge, characterized by persistent inflammation and failed repair. While proresolving pathways are known to regulate inflammatory responses, their potential dysfunction in CWs remains unexplored. Here, we identify dysregulation of the pro-opiomelanocortin-melanocortin 1 receptor (POMC-MC1R) axis as a common feature across pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and diabetic ulcers. Using MC1Re/e mice lacking functional MC1R, we demonstrate impaired wound healing marked by delayed reepithelialization and increased neutrophil extracellular traps-pathological features observed in human CWs. To investigate MC1R's therapeutic potential, we developed a new murine CW model that replicates human pathology, presenting as nonhealing, exudate-rich ulcers. T

SUBMITTER: Nawilaijaroen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12646273 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature