Collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 promotes functional recovery of sweat glands by inducing adjacent microvascular network reconstruction in vivo

Background Sweat glands (SGs) have low regenerative potential after severe burns or trauma and their regeneration or functional recovery still faces many obstacles. In practice, restoring SG function requires not only the structural integrity of the gland itself, but also its neighboring tissues, especially blood vessels. Collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 (CTHRC1) was first identified in vascular repair, and increasing reports showed a close correlation between cutaneous appendage specification, patterning and regeneration. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the role of CTHRC1 in SGs and their adjacent microvessels and find therapeutic strategies to restore SG function. Methods The SGs and their adjacent microvascular network of Cthrc1(-/-) mice were first investigated using sweat test, laser Doppler imaging, tissue clearing technique and transcriptome analysis. The effects of CTHRC1 on dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMECs) were further explored with cell proliferation, DiI-labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake, tube formation and intercellular junction establishment assays. The effects of CTHRC1 on SG function restoration were finally confirmed by replenishing the protein into the paws of Cthrc1(-/-) mice. Results CTHRC1 is a key regulator of SG function in mice. At the tissue level, Cthrc1 deletion resulted in the disorder and reduction of the microvascular network around SGs. At the molecular level, the knockout of Cthrc1 reduced the expression of vascular development genes and functional proteins in the dermal tissues. Furthermore, CTHRC1 administration considerably enhanced SG function by inducing adjacent vascular network reconstruction. Conclusions CTHRC1 promotes the development, morphogenesis and function execution of SGs and their neighboring vasculature. Our study provides a novel target for the restoration or regeneration of SG function in vivo.