KGF-2 Regulates STAP-2–Mediated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Signaling and Reduces Skin Scar Formation

Hypertrophic scar is a common complication of burns, skin trauma, and postoperative trauma, which involves excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and accumulation of a large amount of disorganized collagen fibers and extracellular matrix. KGF-2 plays important roles in the regulation of cellular homeostasis and wound healing. In this study, we investigated the effect and underlying mechanism of KGF-2 on scar formation after wound healing both in vitro and in vivo. We show that KGF-2 attenuates mechanical stress-induced scar formation while promoting wound healing. Mechanistically, KGF-2 inhibits STAP-2 expression and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation, leading to significantly reduced collagen I and collagen III levels. Our results provide an insight into the role of KGF-2 in wound healing and scar formation and the therapeutic potential for reducing scarring while promoting wound healing.