Biomedical Sciences ETDs
Publication Date
12-15-2024
Abstract
Estrogens regulate numerous physiological and pathological processes, including broad effects in wound healing. The effects of estrogens are mediated through estrogen receptors (ERs), which include the classical nuclear ERs (ERα and ERβ), which traditionally regulate gene expression, and the 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), which predominately mediates rapid “nongenomic” signaling. Estrogens can regulate epidermal function and regeneration, inflammation, and other functions that are vital to wound healing. We report that GPER is critical in wound healing, facilitating effects that are both dependent and independent of sex. GPER-deficiency is linked with an increase in skin necrosis, decrease in flap perfusion and changed vessel morphology. Together, these findings contribute to understanding GPER signaling in wound healing and suggest possible therapeutic opportunities by targeting GPER.
Keywords
Estrogen, Flap, GPER, Revascularization, Skin, Wound Healing
Sponsors
The UNM Cardiovascular Research Training Program pre-doctoral fellowship, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (NIH T32HL007736), and a grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK; NIH F31DK136330)
Document Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Degree Name
Biomedical Sciences
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
First Committee Member (Chair)
Eric Prossnitz
Second Committee Member
Judy Cannon
Third Committee Member
Meilian Liu
Fourth Committee Member
Rama Gullapalli
Recommended Citation
Ko, Randy F.. "The Role of the G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor in Wound Healing." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/biom_etds/268