Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) are intracellular polymers that provide structure to the cell, serve as railways for intracellular transport, and regulate many cellular activities, including cell migration. The dynamicity and function of the MT cytoskeleton are determined in large part by its regulatory proteins, including the recently discovered MT severing enzyme Fidgetin-like 2 (FL2). Downregulation of FL2 expression with small interfering RNA (siRNA) results in a more than twofold increase in cell migration rate in vitro as well as translates into improved wound-healing outcomes in in vivo mouse models. Here we utilized a commercially available surfactant polymer dressing (SPD) as a vehicle to deliver FL2 siRNA. To this end we incorporated collagen microparticles containing FL2 siRNA into SPD (SPD-FL2-siRNA) for direct application to the injury site. Topical application of SPD-FL2 siRNA to murine models of full-thickness excision wounds and full-thickness burn wounds resulted in significant improvements in the rate and quality of wound healing, as measured clinically and histologically, compared with controls. Wound healing occurred more rapidly and with high fidelity, resulting in properly organized collagen substructure. Taken together, these findings indicate that the incorporation of FL2 siRNA into existing treatment options is a promising avenue to improve wound outcomes.