Expression of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Calcium-Induced Keratinocyte Differentiation

The study identified neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a gene induced by calcium in keratinocyte differentiation. NGAL expression was significantly increased in vitro during calcium-induced differentiation, as shown by RT-PCR, Western blot, and ELISA. However, NGAL was not detected in normal skin tissue, except in hair follicles, suggesting differences between in vitro and in vivo conditions. Notably, NGAL expression was elevated in psoriasis-like inflammatory disorders and certain skin cancers, indicating a potential link to epidermal hyperplasia. These findings suggested that NGAL might play a crucial role in maintaining skin homeostasis.