JARID1C Regulates Macrophage Function in Diabetic Wounds 2299614

J Jorge Reyes-Arbujas (Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan) K Kevin Mangum (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States) J James Shadiow L Lindsey Hughes (University of Michigan) A Amy Stark (University of Michigan) J Jadie Moon (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States) A Amrita Joshi (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States) G Gabriela Saldana de Jimenez S Samuel Buckley (University of Michigan) M Matthew White A Amber Estor (University of Michigan) K Katherine Gallagher

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Non-healing wounds in patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality and are increasing at a concerning rate. The injury response is a complex process that must proceed in an orderly and organized manner to restore homeostatic tissue function. Macrophages are highly plastic in tissue and are recruited in wounds following injury. In vivo, macrophages exist along a continuum where they initially exist in a pro-inflammatory state and then transition to an anti-inflammatory state to promote proliferation and remodeling phases. In T2D, this does not occur, and macrophages remain in an inflammatory state and serve to promote chronic inflammation. Methods Experiments were conducted using C57Bl/6 mice (WT) or Macrophage-selective deletion of Jarid1c transgenic mice (Jarid1c f/f Lyz2 Cre). These mice were placed on a normal diet (ND) and on a high fat diet to generate a Diet Induced Obesity (DIO) diabetic model. Mice were on the requisite diet for 12-16 weeks. Wound macrophages were isolated from the wound via EasySep Cdllb+ Isolation. Macrophage phenotype was assessed by qPCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) following DNase/Liberase digestion of wound tissue. Results Here, we identify JARID1C, a histone demethylase that removes the activating trimethyl mark on histone 3 lysine 4, as a critical regulator of inflammatory gene expression in macrophages. In DIO mice, wound macrophages exhibit reduced JARID1C expression. We demonstrate that JARID1C is required for the resolution of inflammation, enabling IL-6—dependent removal of H3K4me3 at promoters of inflammatory genes. Macrophage-specific deletion of JARID1C significantly delayed wound closure in the DIO wound model, establishing its functional importance in tissue repair. Conclusion Collectively, these findings suggest JARID1C acts as critical epigenetic regulator of macrophage function during wound healing and this axis may be a potential therapeutic target for improving wound healing in patients with T2D. Funding Source CTSA T32 TR004371 Topic Categories Immune Response Regulation: Molecular Mechanisms (IRM)

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 215, Issue Supplement_1
Published August 01, 2026
ISSN 0022-1767
Publisher American Association of Immunologists

Authors (12)

J

Jorge Reyes-Arbujas

Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan

K

Kevin Mangum

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

J

James Shadiow

L

Lindsey Hughes

University of Michigan

A

Amy Stark

University of Michigan

J

Jadie Moon

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

A

Amrita Joshi

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

G

Gabriela Saldana de Jimenez

S

Samuel Buckley

University of Michigan

M

Matthew White

A

Amber Estor

University of Michigan

K

Katherine Gallagher