Keratinocyte intracellular signaling pathways

Keratinocyte intracellular signaling pathways represent the integrated network of biochemical signals that govern the life cycle and functional responses of keratinocytes, the predominant cell type in the epidermis (Source: PMID: 21833010). These pathways, including MAPK, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB, are essential for maintaining skin homeostasis, regulating processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis (Source: PMID: 24561814). In response to external stimuli like UV radiation, pathogens, or cytokines, these cascades trigger specific gene expression patterns that facilitate wound healing and immune defense. However, aberrant activation or suppression of these signaling routes is central to the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as well as cutaneous malignancies (Source: PMID: 30553482). Pharmacological intervention typically focuses on specific nodes within these pathways, such as Janus kinases or growth factor receptors, to modulate the cellular response. Understanding the crosstalk between these pathways is crucial for developing targeted therapies that can precisely correct epidermal dysfunction without broad systemic toxicity.

Other names

Keratinocyte signalingEpidermal signaling cascadesKeratinocyte signal transduction

Modulation of intracellular cascades (e.g., JAK/STAT, MAPK, NF-κB) via receptor antagonism or kinase inhibition to regulate epidermal gene expression and cellular behavior.