TLDR Cornification is the process where living skin cells die to create a protective barrier, and problems with it can cause skin diseases.
The document describes cornification as a specialized form of programmed cell death that transforms metabolically active epidermal keratinocytes into corneocytes, which are dead skin cells that form the body's barrier to the environment. This process involves the breakdown of organelles, cross-linking of proteins, and maintenance of intercellular connections, regulated by enzymes such as proteases, transglutaminases, and DNases. Disruptions in skin homeostasis can lead to abnormal keratinocyte cornification, and genetic defects in cornification can result in skin diseases. Understanding cornification is important for diagnosing these conditions and improving dermatological treatments. The document also notes that cornification is crucial for the skin barrier in terrestrial vertebrates and compares it to other forms of programmed cell death.
32 citations,
April 2014 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Loss of keratin K2 causes skin problems and inflammation.
375 citations,
June 2013 in “Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular cell research” Cornification is how skin cells die to form the protective outer layer of skin, hair, and nails.
81 citations,
June 2012 in “European journal of human genetics” Inherited ichthyoses cause widespread skin scaling and thickening due to gene mutations.
19 citations,
January 2009 in “International review of cell and molecular biology” Hair's strength and flexibility come from its protein structure and molecular interactions.
375 citations,
February 2006 in “Journal of Cell Science” The document concludes that the hair cycle is a complex process involving growth, regression, and rest phases, regulated by various molecular signals.
425 citations,
August 2002 in “BioEssays” The cornified cell envelope forms a protective barrier in skin and hair, using specific proteins and lipids to maintain effectiveness.
146 citations,
May 2002 in “The American journal of pathology” Cathepsin L is essential for normal hair growth and development.
April 2019 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” The created skin model with melanoblasts improves the study of skin color and offers an alternative to animal testing.
