Keratinocyte differentiation process (null)

Keratinocyte differentiation process refers to the series of molecular and cellular events by which basal keratinocytes in the epidermis permanently exit the cell cycle, change shape, and progressively acquire expression of differentiation-specific proteins (keratin 1, keratin 10, involucrin, filaggrin, loricrin) as they ascend through suprabasal layers, ultimately forming the cornified envelope of the skin barrier[1][3][7][9]. This process is tightly regulated by extracellular and intracellular signals, including calcium gradients, vitamin D, Notch, BMP, WNT, TGFβ, and Rho signaling pathways[1][3][4][6][8][9]. Disruption or dysregulation of keratinocyte differentiation underlies a wide spectrum of skin diseases, including barrier disruption, hyperproliferative disorders, and neoplasia. However, it is not itself a therapeutic target in the sense of a discrete molecule, receptor, enzyme, or transporter.

Other names

Keratinocyte maturationepidermal differentiationepidermal cornification

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