Keratinocyte differentiation genes

Keratinocyte differentiation genes encompass a diverse set of genes—primarily transcription factors, epigenetic regulators, structural proteins (keratins), and enzymes—whose regulated expression drives the maturation and specialization of keratinocytes in the epidermis. These genes orchestrate proliferation, the formation of the skin barrier, lipid synthesis, cell adhesion, and desquamation. Their dysregulation is implicated in skin cancers, inflammatory skin diseases, and wound healing disorders. While not a canonical single target, the pathway as a whole is of great interest for disease stratification and therapy development, especially in dermatological oncology and regenerative medicine.

Other names

Genes regulating keratinocyte differentiationepidermal differentiation geneskeratinocyte-specific genesepidermal differentiation complex genes

Transcriptional modulation (by targeting regulatory TFs such as TP63 or ETV4), epigenetic modification (via DNA methylation or histone modification inhibitors), induction or inhibition of differentiation pathways (retinoids, glucocorticoids)