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.
86 citations
,
April 2009 in “Journal of anatomy” Hard skin features like scales, feathers, and hair evolved through specific protein changes in different animal groups.
66 citations
,
October 2002 in “Human molecular genetics online/Human molecular genetics” A gene mutation in mice causes skin defects and early death.
15 citations
,
July 2004 in “Journal of morphology” Monotreme hair structure and protein distribution are similar to other mammals, but their inner root sheath cornifies differently, suggesting a unique evolution from reptile skin.
Cornification is the process where living skin cells die to create a protective barrier, and problems with it can cause skin diseases.