Red Seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) Extract Promotes Human Keratinocyte Migration via p38 Mitogen‑Activated Protein Kinase Phosphorylation

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of EC extract on human keratinocyte migration. Materials and Methods: Cell migration was assessed using the scratch wound assay. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the EC extract‑induced signaling pathways. Results: EC extract promoted HaCaT keratinocyte migration in a concentration‑dependent manner. To investigate the mechanism of EC extract‑induced migration, we examined the migration‑related signaling pathways. Western blot analysis showed that the EC extract showed no changes in extracellular signal‑activated kinase (ERK) but showed slight Akt activation. In contrast, the EC extract strongly phosphorylated p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the subsequent downstream molecule, cAMP response element‑binding protein (CREB). To examine the involvement of p38 MAPK pathway in EC extract‑induced migration, SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, was used. The results showed that EC extract‑induced migration was abrogated by SB203580 pretreatment. In addition, SB203580 also blocked p38 MAPK and CREB activation. Conclusion: Taken together, these data suggest that EC extract promotes migration in human keratinocytes via p38 MAPK and CREB phosphorylation.