Keratinocyte Differentiation

Keratinocyte differentiation is the process by which unspecialized basal keratinocytes in the epidermis mature into specialized, terminally differentiated cells that form the skin barrier. This process involves a series of tightly regulated molecular and cellular events, resulting in changes to cell morphology, gene expression, and function. The primary role is to build a tough yet flexible barrier (the stratum corneum) that protects the body from environmental insults and prevents water loss. Key steps include cell cycle exit, cytoskeletal changes, gene expression shifts (upregulation of involucrin, filaggrin, loricrin), and organelle remodeling leading to cornification.

Other names

Epidermal DifferentiationCornification