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

  • Min Gyu Kim
  • , Jung Jin Shin*
  • , Sang Wook Son*
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Numerous 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. Objective: RNA 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. Results: Changes 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. Conclusion: Reduced 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.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMolecular and Cellular Toxicology
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) under exclusive licence to The Korean Society of Toxicogenomics and Toxicoproteomics 2025.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • Gap junctions
  • HaCaT
  • Keratinocytes
  • Pruritus
  • STAT3
  • Tight junctions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Toxicology
  • General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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