Mitochondrial DNA release via VDAC1 in keratinocytes: a key driver of innate immunity and vitiligo pathogenesis - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #mitochondrial DNA
- #vitiligo
- #innate immunity
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release via VDAC1 in keratinocytes is identified as a key mechanism linking oxidative stress to immune activation in vitiligo.
- Hydrogen peroxide induces mitochondrial membrane remodeling, leading to VDAC1 oligomerization and selective mtDNA release under non-apoptotic conditions.
- Released mtDNA activates the cGAS-STING axis and NLRP3 inflammasome, driving interferon production, chemokine release, and pyroptosis.
- Genetic silencing or pharmacological inhibition of VDAC1 with VBIT-4 blocks mtDNA release, suppresses inflammation, and alleviates depigmentation in a vitiligo model.
- The study highlights VDAC1-dependent mtDNA release as a therapeutic target for early-stage vitiligo intervention.