Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Analysis Unveils PTPRS Inhibits Proliferation and Inflammatory Response of Keratinocytes in Psoriasis.

In this study, we used data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) to analyze the serum proteome in psoriasis vulgaris (PsO). The serum proteomes of seven healthy controls and eight patients with PsO were analyzed using DIA-MS. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) that were closely related to PsO. Hub proteins of PsO were also identified. The Proteomics Drug Atlas 2023 was used to predict candidate hub protein drugs. To confirm the expression of the candidate factor, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor S (PTPRS), in psoriatic lesions and the psoriatic keratinocyte model, immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were performed. A total of 129 DEPs were found to be closely related to PsO. The hub proteins for PsO were PVRL1, FGFR1, PTPRS, CDH2, CDH1, MCAM, and THY1. Five candidate hub protein drugs were identified: encorafenib, leupeptin, fedratinib, UNC 0631, and SCH 530348. PTPRS was identified as a common pharmacological target for these five drugs. PTPRS knockdown in keratinocytes promoted the proliferation and expression of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-23A, TNF-α, MMP9, CXCL8, and S100A9. PTPRS expression was decreased in PsO, and PTPRS negatively regulated PsO. PTPRS may be involved in PsO pathogenesis through the inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation and inflammatory responses and is a potential treatment target for PsO.

Predictive factors of atopic-like dermatitis induced by IL-17A inhibitors in patients with psoriasis: A 2-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Atopic-like dermatitis (ALD) is a common side effect of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitors. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, risk factors, outcomes and treatment of ALD in a cohort of psoriasis patients treated with IL-17A inhibitors. METHODS: This retrospective study included 226 psoriasis patients treated with an IL-17A inhibitor in our dermatology department between July 2020 and July 2022. The patients were reviewed over 2 years. A logistic regression model in rare events data (relogit) was used to predict the risk factors for ALD. RESULTS: Of the 226 patients, 14 had ALD. Data including age, body mass index, IL-17A inhibitor use, personal and family history of atopic disease, pet ownership history, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were analysed using the relogit regression model. It indicated a personal history of atopic disease (odd ratio [OR] 27.830, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.801-203.770; p = 0.001) and elevated IgE levels (OR 5.867, 95% CI 1.131-30.434; p = 0.035) as independent predictors of incident ALD. In one patient, anti-IL-17A therapy was discontinued, and treatment was switched to tofacitinib. Thirteen patients who continued with IL-17A inhibitor were treated with topical therapy and/or antihistamines, and their ALD was partially or completely resolved. CONCLUSION: In this study, the incidence rate of ALD was 6.19%. Elevated IgE levels and a personal history of atopic disease were found to be the risk factors for ALD. Our study findings suggest that treatment should be provided based on the severity of psoriasis and incident ALD. Prior to treatment, psoriasis patients who have the risk factors for ALD should be informed of the possible development of ALD, and alternative psoriatic therapeutic options should be considered if severe ALD develops.

Protein Kinase CK2 Promotes Proliferation, Abnormal Differentiation, and Proinflammatory Cytokine Production of Keratinocytes via Regulation of STAT3 and Akt Pathways in Psoriasis.

Protein kinase CK2 is a constitutively active and ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase that is closely associated with various types of cancers, autoimmune disorders, and inflammation. However, the role of CK2 in psoriasis remains unknown. Herein, the study indicated elevated expression of CK2 in skin lesions from patients with psoriasis and from psoriasis-like mice. In the psoriasis-like mouse model, the CK2-specific inhibitor CX-4945 ameliorated imiquimod-induced psoriasis symptoms with reduced proliferation, abnormal differentiation, inflammatory cytokine production (especially IL-17A) of keratinocytes, and infiltration of γδ T cells. In in vitro studies, exogenous CK2 promoted hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of human keratinocytes, which were reversed by the suppression of CK2 with CX-4945 or siRNA. Furthermore, knockdown of CK2 reduced IL-17A expression and abolished IL-17A-induced proliferation and inflammatory cytokine expression in keratinocytes. Interestingly, IL-17A increased the expression of CK2 in keratinocytes, thereby establishing a positive feedback loop. In addition, suppression of CK2 inhibited the activation of STAT3 and Akt signaling pathways in human keratinocytes and imiquimod-induced psoriatic lesions of mice. These findings indicate that a highly expressed CK2 level in the skin lesions is required in the development of psoriasis by promoting epidermal hyperplasia, abnormal differentiation, and inflammatory response via regulation of the STAT3 and Akt signaling pathways. CK2 may be a target for the treatment of psoriasis.

Targeting HIF-1α/NOTCH1 pathway eliminates CD44+ cancer stem-like cell phenotypes, malignancy, and resistance to therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Poor prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) results from resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. To uncover the drivers of HNSCC resistance, including stemness and hypoxia, in this study, we compared the gene expression between CD44+ and CD44- HNSCC cells and assessed the correlation of CD44 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression with mouse features and outcomes of patients with HNSCC. We combined the knockdown or activation of HIF-1α with in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate effects on stemness and resistance of HNSCC cells. Analysis of clinical data showed that activation of HIF-1α in CD44+ patients with HNSCC was correlated with worse prognosis. Functional assays showed that HIF-1α promoted stemness, resistance, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HNSCC CD44+ cells. HIF-1α activated NOTCH1 signaling in HNSCC stem-like cells characterized by CD44 expression. Moreover, inhibition of these signaling proteins using shRNA or Evofosfamide (Evo) development for cancer treatment, reversed chemoresistance in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results indicated that targeting HIF-1α attenuated NOTCH1-induced stemness, which regulates responses to chemotherapy or radiotherapy and malignancy in CD44+ HNSCCs. HIF-1α/NOTCH1 signaling may represent a target for HNSCC treatment.