Three-Dimensional Imaging of Tight Junction Network Across Multiple Layers of Human Epidermis by Array Tomography Using Backscattered Electron-Mode Scanning Electron Microscopy

The document presents abstracts from various studies related to epidermal structure and barrier function. One study (LB1077) suggests that epidermal turnover may be a regulated mechanism of iron excretion, with keratinocyte proliferation and expression of epidermal differentiation markers being modulated by iron. Another study (LB1076) finds that desmoplakin is essential for proper epidermal morphogenesis and mechanical resistance in Xenopus embryos, with a role in radial intercalation. The study (LB1078) on PPARs shows that Ppara gene expression is reduced in models of chronic skin impairment but not in acute skin barrier impairment, with lipid metabolites likely involved in Ppara downregulation. Research (LB1080) on skin microclimate indicates that occlusion and over-hydration negatively affect skin barrier integrity and microbial diversity, but these effects can be mitigated by absorbent materials. Another study (LB1079) reports that dysfunction of BP180 leads to Dsg1 degradation and defective skin barrier, which may cause an atopic dermatitis-like phenotype. Lastly, the study (LB1081) aimed to resolve the controversy about the extent of tight junctions (TJs) in the epidermis by using array tomography with backscattered electron-mode scanning electron microscopy, revealing that TJs extend to the most superficial layer of the stratum granulosum, contrary to previous suggestions that they were only present in the second most superficial layer.