SH2 domain‐containing protein tyrosine phosphatase‐2 is enriched in eyelid specimens of rosacea

Abstract

Abstract Background Rosacea is a cutaneous disease that may secondarily affect the ocular surface. Due to the vision threatening, cosmetic, psychological, and work productivity impact, the identification of cellular targets that govern rosacea would enhance our understanding of the biology of the disease and delineate targets for therapeutic manipulation. Objective To characterize the involvement of SH2 domain‐containing protein tyrosine phosphatase‐2 (SHP2) in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Methods Specimens from elective ectropion surgery (n = 20) were processed from patients with rosacea (n = 10) and control patients (n = 10). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative western blotting (WB) were performed to identify and quantify the presence of SHP2 and 4G10 (a phosphotyrosine antibody) in rosacea compared to normal tissue. IHC samples were graded according to an intensity scale (0–4). Mann‐Whitney statistical analyses were performed via a dedicated computerized software package. Results On WB, SHP2 was expressed in higher concentrations in rosacea specimens (p 0.05). Conclusions SHP2 is enriched in cutaneous specimens of rosacea, suggesting a critical role for this protein in the disease and indicating a modifiable therapeutic moiety.