Mechanism underlying follicular hyperproliferation and oncogenesis in hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin disorder that causes chronic painful inflammation and hyperproliferation, often with the comorbidity of invasive keratoacanthoma (KA). Our research, employing high-resolution immunofluorescence and data science approaches together with confirmatory molecular analysis, has identified that the 5′-cap-dependent protein translation regulatory complex eIF4F is a key factor in the development of HS and is responsible for regulating follicular hyperproliferation. Specifically, eIF4F translational targets, Cyclin D1 and c-MYC, orchestrate the development of HS-associated KA. Although eIF4F and p-eIF4E are contiguous throughout HS lesions, Cyclin D1 and c-MYC have unique spatial localization and functions. The keratin-filled crater of KA is formed by nuclear c-MYC-induced differentiation of epithelial cells, whereas the co-localization of c-MYC and Cyclin D1 provides oncogenic transformation by activating RAS, PI3K, and ERK pathways. In sum, we have revealed a novel mechanism underlying HS pathogenesis of follicular hyperproliferation and the development of HS-associated invasive KA.