Advances in effects of integrin-linked kinase on cutaneous wound healing and the relative mechanism

Previous studies have demonstrated that integrin-linked kinases (ILKs) are abundantly expressed in extracellular matrix (ECM) riche dermis, hair follicles, and basal cells of epidermis. ILKs are not only essential for the maintenance of skin structure, but also play important roles in wound healing. ILKs can promote the formation of granulation tissue by stimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts and secretion of ECM, accelerate wound contraction by inducing the differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, and boost reepithelization by promoting proliferation, migration, and differentiation of keratinocytes and follicle epidermal stem cells.