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DGAT2 reduction and lipid dysregulation drive psoriasis development in keratinocyte-specific SPRY1-deficient mice
Ying-Ying Li, Li-Ran Ye, Ying-Zhe Cui, Fan Xu, Xi-Bei Chen, Feng-Fei Zhang, Yi Lu, Yu-Xin Zheng, Xiao-Yong Man
Ying-Ying Li, Li-Ran Ye, Ying-Zhe Cui, Fan Xu, Xi-Bei Chen, Feng-Fei Zhang, Yi Lu, Yu-Xin Zheng, Xiao-Yong Man
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Research Article Dermatology Inflammation Metabolism

DGAT2 reduction and lipid dysregulation drive psoriasis development in keratinocyte-specific SPRY1-deficient mice

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Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease characterized by abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and immune dysregulation. Altered lipid metabolism has been implicated in its pathogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we generated a keratinocyte-specific Sprouty RTK signaling antagonist 1 (SPRY1) knockout (Spry1ΔEpi) mouse model, which exhibits psoriasis-like symptoms. Using both psoriasis patient samples and Spry1ΔEpi mice, we investigated the role of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) in psoriasis. Our results show that DGAT2 expression was reduced and glyceride metabolism was disrupted in psoriatic lesions in both patients with psoriasis and Spry1ΔEpi mice. Lipidomic analysis revealed significant alterations in glycerides, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and fatty acids in Spry1ΔEpi mice. At the cellular level, DGAT2 downregulation and lipid dysregulation enhanced TLR3-mediated inflammatory signaling in keratinocytes. Furthermore, increased DGAT2 secretion from keratinocytes promoted CD8+ T cell activation, proliferation, and survival, amplifying psoriatic inflammation. These findings highlight the role of DGAT2 and lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and reveal their interaction with immune responses in psoriasis.

Authors

Ying-Ying Li, Li-Ran Ye, Ying-Zhe Cui, Fan Xu, Xi-Bei Chen, Feng-Fei Zhang, Yi Lu, Yu-Xin Zheng, Xiao-Yong Man

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Figure 6

Elevated DGAT2 secretion enhances CD8+ T cell activation, proliferation, and survival.

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Elevated DGAT2 secretion enhances CD8+ T cell activation, proliferation,...
(A) Western blot analysis showing reduced intracellular DGAT2 expression in PSO compared with NOR, while secreted DGAT2 levels are paradoxically increased. n = 3 samples per group. (B) ELISA quantification of DGAT2 levels in cell lysates and supernatants from Spry1ΔEpi and WT keratinocytes (n = 5 per group) and from psoriatic keratinocytes compared with normal controls (n = 3 per group). (C) Flow cytometry analysis of epidermal CD8+ T cells from PSO and NOR. (D) GSEA of RNA-sequencing data from Spry1ΔEpi and WT mice epidermis that shows significant enrichment of immune-related pathways, particularly those associated with CD8+ T cells. NES, normalized enrichment score; NOM, nominal. (E) Flow cytometry analysis that reveals increased TNF-α, IFN-γ, and CD25 expression in CD8+ T cells treated with recombinant DGAT2 protein compared with controls. n = 6 samples per group. (F and G) CFSE proliferation assay that shows enhanced cell division in DGAT2-treated CD8+ T cells, as indicated by reduced fluorescence intensity. n = 7 samples per group. (H and I) Annexin V/PI staining indicates reduced apoptosis in DGAT2-treated CD8+ T cells. n = 6 samples per group. Paired 2-tailed Student’s t test was performed. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001.

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