The Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of a Peptide from Periplaneta americana L. in Skin Wound Healing

Abstract

Periplaneta americana extract can promote wound healing and may play an important role in skin wound healing. In this study, we identified a peptide (DL-13) from Periplaneta americana L. and explored its role and mechanisms in skin wound healing. In vitro, the effects of DL-13 on proliferation, migration, and related gene/protein expression in HaCaT keratinocytes were assessed via qRT-PCR and Western blot. In vivo, rat wound healing assays confirmed its efficacy. Results showed DL-13 accelerated rat wound healing. In in vitro studies, DL-13 activated EGFR and its downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR, ERK/MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3 pathways, upregulated EMT-related proteins (N-cadherin, MMP-2, p-FAK, β-catenin), partially regulated macrophage cytokine secretion, and promoted HaCaT proliferation/migration, thereby facilitating re-epithelialization at skin injury sites. Overall, DL-13 may enhance the function of HaCaT cells by activating the EGFR signaling pathway and regulate inflammatory factors in macrophages, thereby promoting the healing of skin wounds in rats. The results of this study will lay an experimental and scientific foundation for the discovery of new compounds for wound healing and their application.