AUTHOR=Jia Jinjing , Ma Xin , Wang Tongfei , Ye Siqi , Yan Fenggen , Liu Junfeng , Li Hongyi , Chen Dacan , Mo Xiumei 

TITLE=Yes-associated protein regulates autophagy to restore skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1681148

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2025.1681148

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=IntroductionAtopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by skin barrier dysfunction and inflammation.This study explored the relationship between Yes-associated protein (YAP) expression, autophagy, and skin barrier dysfunction in AD.MethodsSkin samples from AD patients and healthy controls were analyzed using mRNA-seq. Differential gene expression was visualized using ggplot2 and analyzed using GO and KEGG pathway analyses. An AD mouse model was created using house dust mite ointment, and HaCaT cells were treated to mimic AD inflammation. YAP expression was transfected with lentivirus in vivo and siRNA in vitro. Autophagy was induced with rapamycin.ResultsYAP levels were reduced in AD patients and correlated with filaggrin (FLG). YAP overexpression in mice improved skin lesions, enhanced barrier function (increased FLG, involucrin, and loricrin), and promoted autophagy (increased LC3-II/I; decreased p62 and p-mTOR). Similar effects were observed in cells, with increased proliferation and reduced apoptosis. YAP knockdown reversed these effects, which were mitigated by rapamycin.DiscussionReduced YAP expression in AD is linked to inflammation and barrier dysfunction. YAP may improve AD by enhancing autophagy, reducing inflammation, and restoring skin barrier function.