Methods: The immortalized human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) were cultured to 90%-confluence and then incubated with IL-1α or KGF for 48 h in the presence or absence of MAPK (p38, ERK, JNK) inhibitors. Normal human skin fibroblasts (NB1RGB) were cultured with IL-1α for 24 h. Expression of AMP-specific mRNAs, including S100A7, S100A8, S100A9, LCN2, SLPI and hBD-2, was estimated by Northern blotting and RT-PCR. Calprotectin protein concentration was estimated by ELISA and MAPK phosphorylation was analyzed by Western blotting.
Results: IL-1α increased KGF mRNA expression in fibroblasts and KGF up-regulated IL-1α mRNA expression in keratinocytes. In a pattern that differed from IL-1α, KGF decreased expression of S100A7, S100A8 and S100A9 mRNAs, increased LCN2 and SLPI, but did not affect hBD-2. IL-1α increased and KGF decreased expression of calprotectin protein. IL-1α-induced S100A8/S100A9 expression was p38 phosphorylation-dependent. KGF-induced down-regulation of S100A8/S100A9 was ERK phosphorylation-dependent.
Conclusion: These results suggest that IL-1α and KGF modulate AMP expression in keratinocytes through different signaling pathways.
Supported by NIH R01DE11831 (MCH) and Grants-in-Aid (#19592388) for Scientific Research from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.