The serine proteases dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 and urokinase are key molecules in human and mouse scar formation.

ABSTRACT: Despite recent advances in understanding skin scarring, mechanisms triggering hypertrophic scar formation are still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigate mature human hypertrophic scars and developing scars in mice at single cell resolution. Compared to normal skin, we find significant differences in gene expression in most cell types present in scar tissue. Fibroblasts show the most prominent alterations in gene expression, displaying a distinct fibrotic signature. By comparing genes upregulated in murine fibroblasts during scar development with genes highly expressed in mature human hypertrophic scars, we identify a group of serine proteases, tentatively involved in scar formation. Two of them, dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4) and urokinase (PLAU), are further analyzed in

SUBMITTER: Vorstandlechner V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8556235 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature