Role of Neuropeptide B/W Signaling in Modulating Intracellular Calcium in Human Skin Fibroblasts.

Abstract

Background: The neuropeptide B/W signalling system (NPB/W) has been identified in multiple body regions and is integral to several physiological processes, including the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis. Recently, it has also been detected in human skin; however, its specific functions in this context remain to be thoroughly investigated. This study aims to identify the expression of neuropeptides B/W receptor 1 (NPBWR1) and neuropeptides B/W receptor 2 (NPBWR2) in human dermal fibroblasts of mesenchymal origin using genomic and proteomic techniques. We will also investigate the role of these receptors in cell proliferation and calcium signalling.

Methods: The mRNAs for NPBWR1 and NPBWR2 were detected using quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis and further validated by western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Additionally, we synthesised ligands for these receptors, specifically hNPB (25-53) and hNPW (33-62), to investigate their effects on cell proliferation and intracellular calcium levels in human fibroblasts.

Results: Our results demonstrated that hNPW (33-62) has anti-proliferative effect on human dermal fibroblasts and concentration of 0.1-μmol/L can significantly decrease intracellular calcium levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This finding suggests a potential role for the NPB/W signalling system in pathologies associated with impaired calcium handling, such as fibrosis. Furthermore, we observed that the proliferation of human fibroblasts was not affected by hNPB (25-53). Our findings could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for various skin conditions and improved wound healing.