MicroRNA’s (miRNA) are small ribonucleic acid (RNA) fragments that play key regulatory roles in many cellular processes. Dysregulation of miRNA’s has been linked to different diseases. The role of miRNA’s in tissue repair has not been thoroughly explored within the literature. In particular, the role of miRNA’s in scar formation has only been speculated.
Keloids are a fibrotic disease of the skin, characterised as scar tissue which grows beyond the wound margins forming a tumour like growth. The skin is primarily composed of two cell types, namely keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Literature suggests that the communication between these cells is a major contributing factor to keloid pathogenesis. This study will investigate the miRNA’s involved in the communication network between keloid derived keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Our research will demonstrate whether this aspect of communication is important for keloid pathogenesis.
In order to investigate the communication between keratinocytes and fibroblasts, we have developed a Transwell model. This model involves culturing keratinocytes and fibroblasts in co-culture (cells cultured together) and mono-culture (cells cultured separately), with each cell type separated by a microporous membrane. Through the application of next generation sequencing technologies, we have identified a range of miRNA’s potentially involved in the communication between keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Furthermore, a strong miRNA candidate has been identified, with preliminary studies revealing interesting results with regards to its regulation within this communication network. Targeting and modulating these miRNA’s may lead to new therapeutic opportunities for keloids.