An enzyme expressed by skin cells could be helpful in the management of non-healing skin wounds and ulcers, according to research by University of Manchester and Singapore's A*STAR Skin Research Lab scientists.
Approximately one in 50 people will develop wounds that fail to heal with the issue a particular problem for older people and in diabetes.
Chronic wounds are more likely to become infected and can even result in a need for amputation making tackling them a really important issue.
The paper published in the British Journal of Dermatology, reveals that the enzyme- called arginase 1 - can promote wound repair in the skin, through modulation of a protein called Lipocalin2.
A major factor in non-healing wounds is a failure of the damaged outer layer of skin, the epidermis, to repair and regrow. This can be worsened by uncontrolled inflammation and infection.
The authors show that on wounding Arginase 1 enhanced production of Lipocalin2, an anti-microbial agent, which was required to combat infection and help the skin cells reform the skin barrier.
Arginase 1 also reduced levels of inflammatory products made by the damaged skin cells showing its potential for tackling the inflammation typically associated with chronic wounds.
The researchers also showed that the function of arginase, could be restored to help skin regrow by adding products that arginase 1 can make which include metabolites called polyamines.
The paper follows on from previous research by the team, published in February, which showed how important this enzyme Arginase 1 was for healthy skin and eczema.
A healthy skin barrier involves a balance between cells multiplying ('proliferating') and changing their function ('differentiating'). A key feature of eczema is a disruption of this balance. Arginase is required for skin barrier regulation where it functions to promote cell differentiation, a process essential to maintain a protective healthy skin barrier. A process that is disrupted in eczema.
Arginase 1 has been shown to have an important role in tissue repair but how it promotes skin health was until now, unknown.
Lead author Sheena Cruickshank, Professor of immunology at The University of Manchester 's Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, said: "These two studies highlight the mechanism by which arginase 1 promotes barrier function and ensures good wound healing.
"It's importance is highlighted by the abnormal levels of Arginase seen in wounds that don't heal well and eczema
"That is why we think that targeting arginase 1 has potential to be used in the treatment of eczema and non-healing skin ulcers. Data in the two papers suggest it might also protect the skin from infection."
She added: "Non-healing skin wounds, or ulcers, are incredibly common and serious skin conditions that are more common as we age.
"They can have a devastating effect on the lives of patients, causing chronic pain, problems with mobility and can lead to increased morbidity.
"Similarly, eczema can significantly impact quality of life, leading to intense itching, pain, and sleep disruption. It can also increase the risk of skin infections.
"We clearly have a long way to go before these skin conditions can be cured, but knowing the crucial role of arginase 1 in the healing process and that we can rescue function in model systems is an important milestone."
Jason Wong, Professor of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine from The University of Manchester said: "The burden of chronic wounds seems to be on the increase and any new insights to how we can treat the problem will save limbs."
The PhD studentship for coauthor Denis Szondi was funded by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore and The University of Manchester.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funded a PhD studentship for co-author Rachel Crompton.
Banked tissue collection was funded by Wellcome Institutional Strategic Support Fund and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). (Prof Wong is part of the Dermatology Theme at the NIHR Manchester BRC.
British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 193, Issue 1, July 2025, Pages 125-135, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljaf057
