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Molecular analysis in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model

ABSTRACT: The mechanisms underlying pruritus of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated whether there are certain key signaling molecules downstream of the recently identified peptides mediating itch in the spinal cord. We investigated the changes in the trascriptome by performing RNAseq of cervical spinal cords in control and IMQ-induced psoriasis. Our study represents the detailed analysis of transcriptomes of spinal cord in chronic itch model with biologic replicates, generated by RNA-seq technology.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE152637 | GEO | 2023/06/15

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Background: Imiquimod (IMQ) produces a cutaneous phenotype in mice frequently studied as an acute model of human psoriasis. Whether this phenotype depends on strain or sex has never been systematically investigated on a large scale. Such effects, however, could lead to conflicts among studies, while further impacting study outcomes and efforts to translate research findings. Methods: RNA-seq was used to evaluate the psoriasiform phenotype elicited by IMQ in both sexes of 7 mouse strains (C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ, CD1, DBA/1J, FVB/NJ, 129X1/SvJ and MOLF/EiJ). Results: In most strains, IMQ altered gene expression in a manner consistent with human psoriasis, partly due to innate immune activation and decreased homeostatic gene expression. The IMQ response of MOLF males was aberrant, however, with decreased expression of differentiation-associated genes (elevated in other strains). Key aspects of the IMQ response differed between the two most commonly studied strains (BALB/c and C57BL/6). Compared with BALB/c, the C57BL/6 phenotype showed increased expression of genes associated with DNA replication, IL-17A activation and CD8+ T cells, but decreased expression of genes associated with interferon signaling and CD4+ T cells. Surprisingly, although IMQ-induced expression shifts mirrored psoriasis, correspondence was similar or better for other human skin diseases (e.g., eschars, acne, atopic dermatitis). For BALB/c, MOLF, and 129X1 strains, genes altered by IMQ corresponded better to those altered in human skin infections or wounds compared with those altered in psoriasis lesions. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate strain-dependent aspects of IMQ dermatitis that warrant consideration in planning and interpreting experimental studies. We have further shown that IMQ does not uniquely model psoriasis but in fact triggers a core set of pathways active in diverse skin diseases. These observations challenge the view of IMQ dermatitis as a mouse phenotype uniquely appropriate for studying psoriasis as opposed to other human skin conditions.

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Molecular analysis in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model

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