Effects of Pemphigus Vulgaris Serum on the Expression of ATP2C1 and PKP3 in HaCaT Cells

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of serum from patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) on the transcription and protein expression level of calcium-transporting ATPase type 2C member 1 (ATP2C1) and plakophilin 3 (PKP3) in HaCaT cells. Methods: The HaCaT cells were divided into four groups: PV sera group, anti-Dsg3 monoclonal antibody group (AK23, positive control group), normal healthy serum group, and blank cell group. The groups were treated with corresponding different conditions for 24 hours. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect mRNA and protein levels of ATP2C1 and PKP3. Results: Compared with the blank group, the mRNA level of the ATP2C1 and PKP3 genes in PV sera group was significantly increased by 384% and 404%, respectively (both P < 0.001). The treatment of PV sera and anti-Dsg3 antibody increased PKP3 protein expression (P = 0.03 and P = 0.004) but decreased protein expression of ATP2C1 in HaCaT cells (both P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study indicates that serum from patients with PV promotes both ATP2C1 and PKP3 transcription in HaCaT cells, implying that the two genes may be involved in the pathological process of PV.