Distinct diversity of skin cell populations of rhinophyma and hypertrophic scar illustrated by scRNA-seq

The clinical manifestations and presentation of rhinophyma closely resemble those of hypertrophic scar tissue, both presenting as firm, fibrotic growths. Despite this phenotypic similarity, a critical divergence is observed following surgical intervention: the affected skin in rhinophyma can revert to its normal state without scar recurrence, a favorable outcome starkly contrasting with the behavior of hypertrophic scars. The underlying mechanisms for this phenomenon have yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study is to uncover the cellular and molecular disparities between these two pathological conditions using single-cell sequencing technology to resolve this clinical paradox. The objective of this study is to compare the single-cell transcriptomic profiles of rhinophyma and hypertrophic scar tissues to identify key cell types and molecular pathways that may account for the distinct healing fate of rhinophyma post-surgery and provide novel insights for the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars.