Enhanced sebocyte proliferation is associated with the pathogenesis of human skin diseases related to sebaceous gland hyperfunction and androgens, which are known to induce sebocyte proliferation, are key mediators of this process. Galectin-12, a member of the β-galactoside-binding lectin family that is preferentially expressed by adipocytes and functions as an intrinsic negative regulator of lipolysis, has been shown to be expressed by human sebocytes. In this study, we identified galectin-12 as an important intracellular regulator of sebocyte proliferation. Galectin-12 knockdown in the human SZ95 sebocyte line suppressed cell proliferation, and its overexpression promoted cell cycle progression. Inhibition of galectin-12 expression reduced the androgen-induced SZ95 sebocyte proliferation and growth of sebaceous glands in mice, respectively. The mRNA expression of the key cell cycle regulators cyclin A1 (CCNA1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 2CDK2 was reduced in galectin-12 knockdown SZ95 sebocytes, suggesting a pathway of galectin-12 regulation of sebocyte proliferation. Further, galectin-12 enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression and transcriptional activity in SZ95 sebocytes, consistent with our previous studies in adipocytes. Rosiglitazone, a PPARγ ligand, induced CCNA1 levels, suggesting that galectin-12 may upregulate CCNA1 expression via PPARγ. Our findings suggest the possibility of targeting galectin-12 to treat human sebaceous gland hyperfunction and androgen-associated skin diseases.

Featured Application: The proposed method may benefit the cleaning process of the metals that undergo surface treatment. Especially, this method can be used to fabricate microstructures on the surface of the stainless steel to enhance the self-cleaning and corrosion resistance properties.Abstract: This research utilizes a plasma electrolysis technique to clean the surface of stainless steel 316. The resulting microstructure enhances the self-cleaning properties of the stainless steel surface. The position of the cathode electrode is varied to enlarge the total surface being processed and achieves a uniform processing surface. We propose a self-made plasma electrolysis reaction system supplemented with a 3-axis platform to control the speed at which the cathode electrode moves. The electrolyte is an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) and water. We obtain the optimal parameters for applied voltage, moving speed of the specimen at the cathode, and electrode distance using a one-factor-at-a-time experimental approach to achieve uniform distribution of the surface microstructure. We then observe and measure surface micrographs showing the surface roughness of the specimens after experiments, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM). The contact angle is experimentally proven to be greater than 100 • , indicating that the surface is hydrophobic.

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