The Role of Glucosylceramides in Keratinocyte Differentiation and Epidermal Barrier Function
January 2013
Glucosylceramides keratinocyte differentiation epidermal barrier function Ugcg gene tamoxifen POS-Cers transepidermal water loss keratinocyte hyperproliferation ichthyosiform skin phenotype hair follicle stem cells wound healing lipid signaling PPARβ/δ epidermal homeostasis epithelial differentiation GlcCers skin barrier water loss skin thickening skin condition stem cells skin healing fat signaling PPAR beta/delta skin balance skin cell differentiation
TLDR Glucosylceramides are essential for healthy skin and proper wound healing.
The study investigated the role of glucosylceramides (GlcCers) in keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal barrier function. Using inducible Ugcgf/fK14CreERT2 mice, researchers found that tamoxifen-induced deletion of the Ugcg gene led to a significant decrease in epidermal GlcCers and POS-Cers, resulting in increased transepidermal water loss, altered pH, and keratinocyte hyperproliferation, which caused a severe ichthyosiform skin phenotype. This phenotype was partially reversed within three months due to hair follicle stem cells. Additionally, wound healing was delayed in mutant mice. Gene expression profiling revealed changes in genes related to lipid signaling and epidermal differentiation, implicating PPARβ/δ as a mediator. The study concluded that GlcCers are critical for maintaining epidermal homeostasis and barrier function.
