Molecular and cellular impact of Psoriasin (S100A7) on the healing of human wounds

Psoriasin, which is also known as S100A7, is a member of the S100 proteinfamily, a group of calcium‑responsive signalling proteins. Psoriasin expression remains high in patients with psoriasis, whereas it is downregulated in patients with invasive breast carcinoma. This observation suggests that this protein may be a notable marker of keratinocytefunction and differentiation during wound healing. The aim of the present study was to determine the cellular impact of Psoriasin in keratinocytes, which are the primary celltype associated with wound healing. Psoriasin expression in wound tissues was examined using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunochemical staining. Knockdown of Psoriasin in HaCaTcells was performed using anti‑Psoriasin ribozymetransgenes and the effect on growth, adhesion and migration of keratinocyteswas subsequently determined using in vitro cellular functional assays. Psoriasin expression is upregulated in wounds, particularly at the wound edges. The present study demonstrated that Psoriasin is expressed in keratinocytesand is a fundamental regulator of keratinocytemigration. Significant increases in the rate of keratinocyteadhesion, migration and growth were observed in Psoriasin‑deficient cells (P<0.01 vs. control). Application of small inhibitors identified the potential association of neural Wiskott‑Aldrich syndrome protein, focal adhesion primaseand rho‑associated protein kinasesignalling pathways with Psoriasin‑regulated cell adhesion and motility. In conclusion, Psoriasin serves an important role in the wound healingprocess, suggesting that it may be utilized as a potential wound healingbiomarker.