The Mad1 transcription factor is a novel target of activin and TGF-beta action in keratinocytes: possible role of Mad1 in wound repair and psoriasis

Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) super family, affects keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in vitro and in vivo. However, little is known about the mechanisms of activin action i n keratinocytes, and its target genes have not been identified. In this stu dy, we demonstrate that activin A and TGF-beta1 directly induce the express ion and activity of Mad1, an antagonist of the c-Myc transcription factor, in the human HaCaT keratinocyte cell line. Expression and activity of Mad1 was strongly induced by both factors in keratinocytes, although the intensi ty of induction was different for activin A and TGF-beta1. To determine a p ossible role of activin and TGF-beta1 in the regulation of mad1 expression in vivo, we analysed its expression during cutaneous wound repair when high levels of these factors are present. Expression of mad1 mRNA and protein, but not of other mad genes, increased significantly after skin injury, part icularly in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and in suprabasal keratinocytes of the hyperproliferative epithelium. Elevated levels of mad1 mRNA were also detected in the hyperthickened epidermis of psoriatic patients. Since Mad1 regulates proliferation and/or differentiation of various cell types, our r esults suggest that this transcription factor mediates at least in the part the anti-mitotic and/or differentiation-inducing activities of TGF-beta an d activin in keratinocytes.