January 16, 2025 — A study (DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkae063) published in Burns & Trauma has shed light on how inhibiting CYP24A1, an enzyme involved in vitamin D metabolism, affects keloid keratinocytes. Conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati, the investigation revealed that suppressing CYP24A1 could reduce the expression of profibrotic genes, offering a fresh perspective on keloid treatment strategies.
The study employed an innovative approach, isolating primary keratinocytes from normal and keloid skin samples. By culturing these cells with and without vitamin D, alongside CYP24A1 inhibitors such as ketoconazole and VID400, the researchers assessed their impact on gene expression and cell behavior. Their findings were striking: CYP24A1 was significantly overexpressed in keloid keratinocytes at both mRNA and protein levels. While ketoconazole broadly reduced cell proliferation, VID400 specifically targeted the growth of keloid keratinocytes without affecting migration. Furthermore, both inhibitors effectively suppressed the expression of profibrotic genes, such as periostin and hyaluronan synthase 2. When combined with vitamin D, these inhibitors amplified gene-specific effects, suggesting their potential as adjunct therapies for keloids.
The implications of these findings extend beyond immediate clinical applications. By spotlighting CYP24A1 as a critical player in keloid pathology, the research adds to a growing body of evidence implicating vitamin D signaling pathways in regulation of wound healing and scarring. This new paradigm enhances scientific understanding and may contribute to more precise, effective therapies that could significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by keloids. With this pioneering work, dermatological science takes a bold step forward, offering renewed hope for patients and advancing the quest for tailored, impactful treatments.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/burnst/tkae063
Funding information
This research was funded by grant 72005-CIN-21 to DMS from Shriners Children’s. The funding organization had no role in design of the study, collection, analysis, or interpretation of data, or writing of the manuscript.
About Burns & Trauma
Burns & Trauma is an open access, peer-reviewed journal publishing the latest developments in basic, clinical, and translational research related to burns and traumatic injuries, with a special focus on various aspects of biomaterials, tissue engineering, stem cells, critical care, immunobiology, skin transplantation, prevention, and regeneration of burns and trauma injury.