Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-Like Repeats and Discoidin I-Like Domains 3 (EDIL3): A Potential New Therapeutic Tool for the Treatment of Keloid Scars

In keloids, the mechanism underlying the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix after injury of the skin is unclear, and there is no effective treatment because of the incomplete understanding of their pathogenesis; thus, a high recurrence rate is observed. We studied a new marker of keloids to determine a new treatment strategy. First, the keloid gene expression profile (GSE44270) was analyzed (downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database) and the new keloid marker candidate, epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats and discoidin I-like domains 3 (EDIL3) which were upregulated in keloid samples was identified. Knockdown of EDIL3 is known to suppresses angiogenesis by downregulating relevant inhibitory factors that can limit the supply of survival factors to tumor cells from the circulation via the vascular endothelial cells. In keloids, the mechanism of action of EDIL3 may be similar to that in tumors; the inhibition of apoptosis in tumor cells via a reduction in the apoptosis of blood vessels by upregulating an angiogenic factor. To determine whether EDIL3 is involved in keloid formation, we performed knockdown of EDIL3 in keloid fibroblasts in vitro by transfection with anti-EDIL3 small interfering RNA (via microporation). EDIL3 was upregulated in keloid fibroblasts compared with normal fibroblasts in collagen type I, II and III. Our results indicate the control of EDIL3 expression may be a new promising treatment of keloid disease also the molecular targeting of EDIL3 may improve the quality of treatment and reduce the formation of keloids.