Project description:Studies of the zinc finger transcription factors Slug and Snail have largely focused on their important role in modulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition during embryonic development and tumor progression. However, these transcription factors also appear to regulate local inflammation. In previous studies, we showed that Slug knockout mice were resistant to sunburn, an acute cutaneous inflammatory response, compared to wild type mice. In the present studies, we used Slug knockout, chimeric Slug knockout/wild type, conditional Slug knockout, and Slug transgenic mice to study the role of Slug in ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced cutaneous inflammation. We demonstrated, using immunohistochemistry, in vivo imaging, and neutrophil migration studies, that it was Slug expression in the epidermis rather than in neutrophils that modulated the UVR response. Microarray analysis indicated that this modulation was effected by the production of epidermal cytokines, including CCL3, CCL4, oncostatin, and interleukin-1β, that recruited neutrophils to UVR-exposed skin. The pattern of pro-inflammatory gene regulation by Slug suggested a central role for NF-κB in mediating gene induction. Immunohistochemical analysis of UVR-induced NF-κB activation demonstrated reduced activation in Slug knockout and enhanced activation in Slug transgenic epidermis. Slug thus appears to modulate NF-κB activation in response to UVR.
Project description:To elucidate the complex effects of acute UV radiation (UVR) on the skin, we exposed shaved mouse skin to UVB and performed transcriptomic profiling of the epidermis, deep dermis and adipose tissue. Spatial transcriptomic analysis revealed the most pronounced gene expression changes in the epidermis, peaking at 24 hours post-irradiation. While CD45⁺ immune cells showed differential expression of chemokines, cytokines, and acute-phase proteins, cytokeratin⁺ epidermal cells upregulated genes related to cellular stress and damage (e.g., Usp19, Adam25), as well as structural remodeling and apoptosis (e.g., Krt18, Phlda1). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) conducted 12 hours after UVR exposure identified 4,849 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with the epidermis and endothelial cells showing the highest DEG counts. Pathway analysis of upregulated genes in the epidermis revealed enrichment in VEGF, HIPPO, complement, IL-6, and apoptosis signaling pathways. In endothelial cells, UVR induced expression of multiple chemokines and cytokines. Notably, receptor-ligand analysis highlighted endothelial cells as key targets of CXCL chemokines and complement component C3. In fibroblasts, UVR triggered upregulation of inflammatory activation markers (Osmr, Cux1) alongside genes associated with glucose metabolism (Hif1a, Pkm). Cross-species comparison of UVR-responsive DEGs between mice and humans revealed strong concordance, particularly in TGF-β and TNF-associated pathways.
Project description:To elucidate the complex effects of acute UV radiation (UVR) on the skin, we exposed shaved mouse skin to UVB and performed transcriptomic profiling of the epidermis, deep dermis and adipose tissue. Spatial transcriptomic analysis revealed the most pronounced gene expression changes in the epidermis, peaking at 24 hours post-irradiation. While CD45⁺ immune cells showed differential expression of chemokines, cytokines, and acute-phase proteins, cytokeratin⁺ epidermal cells upregulated genes related to cellular stress and damage (e.g., Usp19, Adam25), as well as structural remodeling and apoptosis (e.g., Krt18, Phlda1). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) conducted 12 hours after UVR exposure identified 4,849 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with the epidermis and endothelial cells showing the highest DEG counts. Pathway analysis of upregulated genes in the epidermis revealed enrichment in VEGF, HIPPO, complement, IL-6, and apoptosis signaling pathways. In endothelial cells, UVR induced expression of multiple chemokines and cytokines. Notably, receptor-ligand analysis highlighted endothelial cells as key targets of CXCL chemokines and complement component C3. In fibroblasts, UVR triggered upregulation of inflammatory activation markers (Osmr, Cux1) alongside genes associated with glucose metabolism (Hif1a, Pkm). Cross-species comparison of UVR-responsive DEGs between mice and humans revealed strong concordance, particularly in TGF-β and TNF-associated pathways.