TY - JOUR T1 - Fibroblast activation and abnormal extracellular matrix remodelling as common hallmarks in three cancer-prone genodermatoses. JF - Br J Dermatol Y1 - 2019 A1 - Chacón-Solano, E A1 - León, C A1 - Díaz, F A1 - García-García, F A1 - García, M A1 - Escámez, M J A1 - Guerrero-Aspizua, S A1 - Conti, C J A1 - Mencía, Á A1 - Martínez-Santamaría, L A1 - Llames, S A1 - Pévida, M A1 - Carbonell-Caballero, J A1 - Puig-Butillé, J A A1 - Maseda, R A1 - Puig, S A1 - de Lucas, R A1 - Baselga, E A1 - Larcher, F A1 - Dopazo, J A1 - Del Rio, M KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Biopsy KW - Blister KW - Case-Control Studies KW - Cells, Cultured KW - Child KW - Child, Preschool KW - Epidermolysis Bullosa KW - Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica KW - Extracellular Matrix KW - Extracellular Matrix Proteins KW - Female KW - Fibroblasts KW - Fibrosis KW - Gene Expression Regulation KW - Healthy Volunteers KW - Humans KW - Infant KW - Infant, Newborn KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - mutation KW - Periodontal Diseases KW - Photosensitivity Disorders KW - Primary Cell Culture KW - RNA-seq KW - Skin KW - Xeroderma Pigmentosum KW - Young Adult AB -

BACKGROUND: Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), Kindler syndrome (KS) and xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) are three cancer-prone genodermatoses whose causal genetic mutations cannot fully explain, on their own, the array of associated phenotypic manifestations. Recent evidence highlights the role of the stromal microenvironment in the pathology of these disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate, by means of comparative gene expression analysis, the role played by dermal fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of RDEB, KS and XPC.

METHODS: We conducted RNA-Seq analysis, which included a thorough examination of the differentially expressed genes, a functional enrichment analysis and a description of affected signalling circuits. Transcriptomic data were validated at the protein level in cell cultures, serum samples and skin biopsies.

RESULTS: Interdisease comparisons against control fibroblasts revealed a unifying signature of 186 differentially expressed genes and four signalling pathways in the three genodermatoses. Remarkably, some of the uncovered expression changes suggest a synthetic fibroblast phenotype characterized by the aberrant expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Western blot and immunofluorescence in situ analyses validated the RNA-Seq data. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed increased circulating levels of periostin in patients with RDEB.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the different causal genetic defects converge into common changes in gene expression, possibly due to injury-sensitive events. These, in turn, trigger a cascade of reactions involving abnormal ECM deposition and underexpression of antioxidant enzymes. The elucidated expression signature provides new potential biomarkers and common therapeutic targets in RDEB, XPC and KS. What's already known about this topic? Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), Kindler syndrome (KS) and xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) are three genodermatoses with high predisposition to cancer development. Although their causal genetic mutations mainly affect epithelia, the dermal microenvironment likely contributes to the physiopathology of these disorders. What does this study add? We disclose a large overlapping transcription profile between XPC, KS and RDEB fibroblasts that points towards an activated phenotype with high matrix-synthetic capacity. This common signature seems to be independent of the primary causal deficiency, but reflects an underlying derangement of the extracellular matrix via transforming growth factor-β signalling activation and oxidative state imbalance. What is the translational message? This study broadens the current knowledge about the pathology of these diseases and highlights new targets and biomarkers for effective therapeutic intervention. It is suggested that high levels of circulating periostin could represent a potential biomarker in RDEB.

VL - 181 IS - 3 U1 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30693469?dopt=Abstract ER -