New discoveries in the field of wound healing have led to the identification of a key RNA molecule, lncRNA SNHG26, which plays a crucial role in skin tissue regeneration. Research conducted by scientists from the Karolinska Institute and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences was published in the journal Nature Communications, revealing how SNHG26 directs skin cells through the stages of wound healing – from inflammation to proliferation, or the formation of new cells.

Stages of wound healing and the importance of SNHG26

Wound healing is a complex biological process that begins with the inflammatory phase, a key defense mechanism of the body. Inflammation stimulates the formation of immune cells that help fight infections and remove damaged cells. However, prolonged inflammation can hinder the recovery process, especially in chronic wounds, where there is a disruption in the transition to the phase of new tissue formation. Studies show that lncRNA SNHG26 regulates this transition, enabling timely proliferation of cells and tissue regeneration. In the absence of SNHG26, wound healing in mice was significantly slowed down, highlighting the crucial role of this molecule in the balance between inflammation and regeneration.

Studies involving mouse models have shown how SNHG26 affects the expression of genes associated with inflammation and regeneration. When this molecule was absent, wounds healed more slowly, opening the door to possibilities for developing new therapies aimed at accelerating the recovery process, especially in hard-to-heal wounds, such as diabetic ulcers or pressure sores.

Application of therapies targeting RNA molecules

The scientific community increasingly recognizes the importance of regulatory RNA molecules in wound healing. In addition to SNHG26, research has focused on other RNA molecules such as microRNA, which have been honored with the Nobel Prize. These molecules act as key regulators of gene expression involved in repairing damaged tissues, and further research should enable the development of targeted therapies that could reduce complications in chronic wounds and accelerate the healing of acute injuries.

The research group at the Karolinska Institute, led by Associate Professor Ning Xu Landén, is focused on understanding the role of these molecules in skin tissue regeneration. Their long-term mission is to uncover additional regulatory mechanisms that will aid in the development of innovative treatments for wounds that heal slowly. Therapies targeting molecules like SNHG26 could greatly assist patients with chronic wounds, where prolonged inflammation hampers the natural process of regeneration.

Further research and potential therapies

In addition to regulating the transition between the inflammatory and proliferative phases, SNHG26 also collaborates with a number of other genes involved in tissue damage repair. Further research will focus on studying how these molecules communicate with the immune system and how their modulation can improve the speed and efficiency of healing. This molecular approach to wound healing has the potential for far-reaching applications in medicine, including improving the quality of life for patients with wounds that heal slowly.

The research was conducted in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, with support from the Swedish Research Council and the Ragnar Söderberg Foundation. These results provide a foundation for new therapeutic approaches aimed at regulating RNA molecules, which could enhance the quality of wound healing in clinical practice.

Source: Karolinska Institutet - a medical university