RAS-association domain family 1A regulates the abnormal cell proliferation in psoriasis via inhibition of Yes-associated protein

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease with a high incidence and recurrence; however, its exact pathogenesis and aetiology remain unclear. This study aimed to analyse the effect of the upstream negative regulator RAS-association domain family 1A (RASSF1A) on Yes-associated protein (YAP) in psoriasis. Skin lesions of 22 patients with psoriasis and 19 healthy controls were used. Human epidermal keratinocytes stimulated by M5 (IL-1α, IL-17, IL-22, TNF-α and oncostatin M) were used to establish a psoriatic cell model. BALB/c mice treated with topical imiquimod were used to establish a psoriatic mouse model. As the methylation level of RASSF1A increased, its expression in psoriatic patients and mice model decreased. Addition of the methylation inhibitor 5-Aza-CdR or RASSF1A-overexpressing lentivirus vector increased RASSF1A and reduced YAP expression; meanwhile improved skin lesions, reduced cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, increased Apoptosis, reduced inflammatory cytokines and activities of ERK, STAT3 and NF-κB signalling pathways. The results indicated that RASSF1A could play a role in the treatment of psoriasis by inhibiting YAP expression. Based on these findings, targeted drugs that can inhibit the methylation or increase the expression of RASSF1A may be useful for treating psoriasis.