Regulation of growth factors-associated cell migration by C-phycocyanin scaffold in dermal wound healing

1. The present study examined the role of C-phycocyanin (C-pc) in relation to growth factors and cell migration during wound healing. 2. Histological and biochemical studies showed that C-pc scaffold significantly (P < 0.01) increased hydroxyl proline, total hexamine and protein content, and decreased uronic acid content in the wound tissues during a time course study in newly formed skin. 3. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction array of mouse growth factors in wound tissue showed overexpression (up to 10-fold) of growth factors, such as Cxcl12, Fgf18, Lefty 1, Lefty 2, Rabep 1 and Zip91, and downregulation (up to) 10-fold) of Amh, Bmp 7 and Nodal genes in a 6-day period in C-pc treated groups. Also, Csf 3, Fgf 22, Mdk, Igf 2, transforming growth factor (TGF)-a 1 and interleukin (IL)-1b showed an upregulation of more than 30-fold than the control groups. TGF-b subfamily cytokine growth factors, such as Bmp 2, 4 and 8b, and other growth factors, such as Cxcl 1, showed the highest activity on day 3, showing a transient type of regulation. Western blot analysis showed a positive correlation between gene activity and protein expressions of Bmp 8b, Bmp4, Bmp2 and Cxcl 1. Day 6 in the C-pc group showed the highest csf3 and IL-1b expression. 4. C-pc had no direct effect on keratinocyte migration. However, keratinocytes that were co-cultured with fibroblasts showed a significantly higher rate of migration in the presence of C-pc, showing an indirect effect of C-pc on keratinocyte migration. 5. In conclusion, biodegradable C-pc scaffold might help to serve as an alternate scaffold material for wound healing.