Stem Cells Behind the Barrier: Mechanisms Regulating Epidermal Stem and Progenitor Cell Differentiation

June 2013 in “ International journal of molecular sciences ”

Michael Cangkrama, Stephen B. Ting, Charbel Darido

epidermal stem cells progenitor cells skin barrier asymmetric cell divisions microRNAs chromatin remodeling complexes differentiation factors skin diseases

TLDR Stem cell differentiation is crucial for skin barrier maintenance and its disruption can lead to skin diseases.

The document reviewed the mechanisms regulating epidermal stem and progenitor cell differentiation, which are crucial for maintaining the skin's protective barrier. It highlighted that while the repair and renewal of the epidermal barrier were well-studied, the pathways controlling stem cell differentiation were less understood. Key factors such as asymmetric cell divisions, microRNAs, chromatin remodeling complexes, and various differentiation factors were identified as tightly controlling the balance between stem and progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation. Disruption of this balance was linked to skin diseases. The review aimed to summarize current advances and explore new relationships in maintaining skin barrier function.

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