Discoidin domain receptor-1 as a player in impairment of melanocytes adhesion process in vitiligo.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this paper was to study immunohistochemical expression of discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) in lesional and non-lesional skin of vitiligo patients in comparison to controls, to explore its possible implication vitiligo pathogenesis.

METHODS

Twenty patients with non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) were subjected to punch biopsy from lesional and non-lesional vitiligo skin, in addition to punch biopsy from ten healthy subjects. All specimens were examined by H&E staining and by immunohistochemistry for DDR1 expression.

RESULTS

Significantly decreased expression of DDR1 in lesional vitiligo skin in comparison to non-lesional skin was observed. In addition, decreased lesional and non-lesional DDR1 expression in vitiligo skin in comparison to controls was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced DDR1 expression may be implicated in impaired melanocyte adhesion process involved in vitiligo pathogenesis.