Decreased STAT3 expression in keratinocytes may contribute to pruritus via impaired junction formation

초록

BackgroundNumerous reports suggest that the overexpression of STAT3 in keratinocytes is associated with the induction of pruritus. However, the effect of decreased STAT3 expression remains unknown.ObjectiveRNA sequencing data were obtained using two groups of human-derived keratinocytes (HaCaTs): wild type and STAT3 knockdown. Genes were clustered according to established criteria and analyzed using Gene Ontology, KEGG, and STRING analyses.ResultsChanges were observed in a total of 239 genes, including 133 overexpressed and 106 underexpressed genes in the STAT3 knockdown group. Among downregulated biological processes, the formation of cell-to-cell junctions is possibly significant.ConclusionReduced STAT3 expression in keratinocytes may impair cell-to-cell junction formation, potentially contributing to skin barrier dysfunction and pruritus. However, further experimental validation is needed to establish this relationship.

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