A genomewide association study points to susceptibility loci involved in keloid formation.
Keloids are characterized by cicatricial growth beyond the confines of an original wound, excessive fibroblast proliferation, and deposition of extracellular matrix and collagen fibers. Investigators recently performed a genomewide association study (GWAS) in Japan of keloid formation in 824 individuals with keloid and 3205 unaffected controls.
Three stages of investigation implicated eight strongly associated regions. Further analysis identified keloid susceptibility regions on chromosomes 1q41, 3q22.3–23, and 15q21.3. The genes FOXL2 and NEDD4, located in the second two regions, respectively, were found to be worthy of further examination for a role in keloid biology, although neither was clearly linked to an obvious mechanism.
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical
EquityLubax
Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal
Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)
DisclosuresConsultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical
EquityLubax
Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal
Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)