Paracrine signaling pathways in skin wound microenvironment

Paracrine signaling pathways in the skin wound microenvironment represent the complex network of local intercellular communication required for successful tissue regeneration. This system involves the secretion of diverse signaling molecules, including growth factors (e.g., PDGF, TGF-beta, VEGF) and cytokines, by resident and recruited cells such as macrophages, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes (Werner & Grose, 2003, Physiological Reviews). These factors act on neighboring cells to coordinate the overlapping phases of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling (Gurtner et al., 2008, Nature). Dysregulation of these pathways is a hallmark of chronic, non-healing wounds like diabetic foot ulcers, where a pro-inflammatory environment persists, or in pathological scarring where signaling remains overactive (Pastar et al., 2014, Advances in Wound Care). While not a single molecular target, this microenvironment contains numerous druggable components; for instance, Becaplermin is a recombinant PDGF that mimics endogenous paracrine signals to promote healing (Eming et al., 2014, Sci Transl Med). Therapeutic strategies often aim to restore the spatiotemporal balance of these signals to accelerate closure while minimizing the risk of fibrosis.

Other names

Intercellular signaling in wound healingSkin wound microenvironment signalingParacrine factors in wound repairWound healing signaling network

Modulation of growth factor receptors and cytokine signaling cascades to restore the physiological balance of the wound microenvironment and promote tissue repair (Werner & Grose, 2003).