Autocrine nerve growth factor in human keratinocytes

Biologically active nerve growth factor (NGF) is synthesised and released by proliferating normal human keratinocytes. NGF up-regulates the expression of NGF mRNA in keratinocytes. Keratinocytes express both the low (p75)- and the high-affinity (TrkA) NGF-receptors, which are located in the basal layer of the epidermis. K252, a specific inhibitor of trk phosphorylation, blocks NGF-induced keratinocyte proliferation, in absence of exogenous NGF. Normal keratinocytes over-expressing TrkA proliferate better than control transfectants, while the NGF mimicking anti-Trk antibody induces an increased keratinocyte proliferation in Trk over-expressing cells as compared to mock transfected keratinocytes. In addition, NGF over-expressing keratinocytes proliferate better than mock transfected cells. K252, by blocking TrkA phosphorylation, induces apoptosis in normal keratinocytes, but not in keratinocytes over-expressing bcl-2. Further-more, NGF transfected keratinocytes are protected from UV-B-induced keratinocyte apoptosis, by maintaining constant levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L). Taken together these results support the concept of an autocrine survival system sustained by NGF and its high-affinity receptor in human keratinocytes. Because NGF and Trk levels are highly expressed in psoriasis, one could speculate that NGF autocrine system plays a role in the mechanisms associated with this and other hyperproliferative skin conditions, including cancer. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.