Human galectin‑3: Molecular switch of gene expression in dermal fibroblasts in vitro and of skin collagen organization in open wounds and tensile strength in incisions in vivo

• DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11738
• Publication Date: 2021-03-12T09:15:54Z
• Authors: Peter Gál; Tomáš Vasilenko; Ivan Kováč; Matúš Čoma; Ján Jakubčo; Martina Jakubčová; Vlasta Peržeľová; Lukáš Urban; Michal Kolář; František Sabol; Ján Luczy; Martin Novotný; Jaroslav Majerník; Hans-Joachim Gabius; Karel Jr Smetana
• Keywords: Human skin; Galectin

Understanding the molecular and cellular processes in skin wound healing can pave way for devising innovative concepts by turning identified natural effectors into therapeutic tools. Based on concept of broad‑scale engagement members family galactoside‑binding lectins (galectins) pathophysiological processes, such as cancer or tissue repair/regeneration, present study investigated potential galectins‑1 (Gal‑1) ‑3 (Gal‑3) healing. Human dermal fibroblasts, which are key cells involved healing, responded to galectin exposure (Gal‑1 at 300 Gal‑3 600 ng/ml) with selective changes gene expression among a panel 84 wound‑healing‑related genes, well remodeling extracellular matrix. In case Gal‑3, positive Ki67 cell number increased when using decellularized matrix produced Gal‑3‑treated fibroblasts substrate culture interfollicular keratinocytes. <em>In vivo</em> wounds were topically treated 20 µg/ml Gal‑1 ‑3, collagen score was found be elevated excisional repair rats Gal‑3. The tensile strength measured incisions significantly from 79.5±17.5 g/mm² controls 103.1±21.4 after 21 days These data warrant further testing mixtures galectins other types compounds, example combination TGF‑β1.