Single Cell Deciphering of Pruritic Keloids: The Interaction Between Fibroblasts and Schwann Cells Through the Midkine Signaling

    January 2025 in “ Burns & Trauma ”
    En Yang, Ruoqing Xu, Liying Tu, Hanrui Zhang, Shenying Luo, Hsin Liang, Yunhan Liu, Shuchen Gu, Yixuan Zhao, Xin Huang, Tao Zan
    TLDR Targeting Midkine can help reduce pain and itching in keloids.
    This study investigates the interaction between fibroblasts (FBs) and Schwann cells (SCs) in keloids, focusing on their role in pain and pruritus. Using scRNA-seq analysis, researchers found that specific FBs and SCs in keloids are associated with neurogenesis-related functions. The study identified Midkine (MDK) as a key molecule linked to pain and itching levels in patients. MDK promotes SC proliferation and transition to a repairing phenotype, leading to neuronal axonogenesis and the release of substance P, which causes pain and pruritus. Targeting MDK can reduce abnormal SC proliferation and neuropeptide secretion, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating keloid symptoms.
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