DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION Twist1-Induced Activation of Human Fibroblasts Promotes Matrix Stiffness by Upregulating Palladin and Collagen α1(VI) The authors found that human fibroblast cell lines stably transfected with Twist1 acquired characteristics of activated cancer-associated fibroblasts, such as hyperproliferation, an increased ability to migrate and an alignment of the actin cytoskeleton. [Oncogene] Abstract Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Increases in Photodamaged Skin Investigators examined how photoaging damage relates to cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) expression and localization in photoaged skin. In situ hybridization revealed an increase in COMP-mRNA-positive cells with the progress of photoaging in preauricular skin. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract A Factor VIIa Variant with Enhanced Tissue Factor Independent Activity Speeds Wound Healing in a Mouse Hemophilia B Model Researchers hypothesized that a single dose of DVQ would be more effective in restoring wound healing in hemophilia B (HB). Healing times in HB mice treated with an equally hemostatic dose of DVQ were normalized to that of wild type animals. [J Thromb Haemost] Abstract Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 Ion Channel Functions as a Pruriceptor in Epidermal Keratinocytes to Evoke Histaminergic Itch Researchers addressed the question whether TRPV4 in skin keratinocytes functions in itch, as a particular form of forefront signaling in non-neural cells. Their results support this novel concept, based on attenuated scratching behavior in response to histaminergic, not non-histaminergic (chloroquine) pruritogens in Trpv4 keratinocyte-specific and inducible knockout mice. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Press Release Estrogen Accelerates Cutaneous Wound Healing by Promoting Proliferation of Epidermal Keratinocytes via Erk/Akt Signaling Pathway. Scientists demonstrated that one of the critical mechanisms underlying 17 β-estradiol promoting skin wound healing is through regulation of keratinocyte proliferation via Erk/Akt signaling pathway. [Cell Physiol Biochem] Full Article The Transcription Factor TBX2 Regulates Melanogenesis in Melanocytes by Repressing Oca2 Researchers found that α-MSH or forskolin, both of which stimulate melanogenesis, also reduce TBX2 expression, and that specific knockdown of TBX2 increases melanogenesis. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS Development of Edge-Activated Liposomes for siRNA Delivery to Human Basal Epidermis for Melanoma Therapy By providing direct quantitative and qualitative microscopy evidence, researchers demonstrated that the passive delivery of an edge-activated liposomal formulation can effectively carry siRNA through the stratum corneum and deposit it at the lower epidermis/upper dermis. [J Control Release] Abstract In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Tumor Activity of CoQ0 against Melanoma Cells: Inhibition of Metastasis and Induction of Cell-Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis through Modulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways Scientists found that coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0) treatment caused G1 cell-cycle arrest by reducing the levels of cyclin E and CDK4. CoQ0 treatment induced apoptosis through caspase-9/-3 activation, PARP degradation, Bcl-2/Bax dysregulation, and p53 expression. [Oncotarget] Full Article Cell Cycle Phase-Specific Drug Resistance as an Escape Mechanism of Melanoma Cells Investigators used two-dimensional and organotypic melanoma culture models in combination with fluorescent cell cycle indicators to investigate the effects of cell cycle phases on clinically used drugs. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract |