Transcriptomic identification of IL-17/FOS-associated signaling in dartos fascia remodeling of pediatric concealed penis.

Pediatric concealed penis (CP) is a congenital penile anomaly that has been associated with abnormal dartos fascia development, reduced tissue compliance, and fibrotic remodeling. While surgical correction is standard, the molecular etiology of this pathological fibrosis remains largely unexplored. This study aims to delineate the transcriptomic landscape of CP and identify candidate signaling pathways associated with dartos fascia remodeling. We performed RNA-seq on dartos fascia tissues from CP patients and phimosis control tissues, followed by bioinformatic analysis and validation using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. RNA-seq and functional enrichment analysis identified a significantly enriched IL-17-related signaling signature in CP tissues. Experimental validation showed increased expression of key nodes such as IL-17RA, ACT1, FOS, IL-6, and PTGS2. Notably, synchronous upregulation of FOS and downstream inflammation- and remodeling-associated mediators IL-6 and PTGS2 was accompanied by fragmented elastic fibers and increased matrix deposition. These findings provide preliminary clinical tissue-based evidence that IL-17/FOS-associated inflammatory remodeling signatures are enriched in CP dartos fascia and may contribute to reduced tissue compliance and fibrosis. Further functional studies are required to determine causality.