1421 Topical glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor speeds wound healing in diabetic mice

Non-healing foot ulcers develop in 10-25% of type 2 diabetics. We have previously shown that reduction in ganglioside GM3 by GM3 synthase (GM3S) gene knockdown or topically applied GM3S siRNA nanoconstructs normalizes wound healing in diet-induced obese (DIO) diabetic mice. The mechanism is reversal of IGF-1 and EGF receptor resistance, leading to accelerated keratinocyte migration and normal cutaneous innervation. A small molecule inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase (GCSI) also reduces GM3 and, given GCSI's small size, could be moved towards clinical trials of topical application should it replicate the ameliorative effects on wound healing.
Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Tissue Regeneration and Wound Healing Source Type: research