Fibroblast-directed melanocyte recruitment via Cxcl12-Cxcr4 axis promotes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and skin barrier protection in zebrafish - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #Melanocyte
- #PIH
- #Fibroblast
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common skin disorder with transient or permanent forms.
- Melanocyte migration is identified as a key driver of hyperpigmentation in a zebrafish model.
- Fibroblasts secrete Cxcl12a to recruit melanocytes via the Cxcl12a-Cxcr4a axis, independent of immune cells.
- Fibroblast ablation disrupts melanocyte patterning, linking fibroblast activity to PIH permanence.
- Recruited melanocytes provide dual protection against UV-induced DNA damage and microbial intrusion.
- CXCL12 expression is upregulated in fibroblasts from human PIH-related conditions like keloids and acne.
- The FDA-approved CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 (Plerixafor) effectively prevents and treats PIH in the model.
- Findings reveal fibroblast-mediated melanocyte recruitment in PIH and propose a repurposed treatment strategy.