Sebaceous Gland Ductal Keratinization

Sebaceous gland ductal keratinization refers to the process in which epithelial cells lining the ducts of sebaceous glands undergo abnormal or excessive keratinization—the maturation and accumulation of keratin protein that forms tough, cornified tissue[1][2][8]. This process is central to the pathogenesis of acne and related disorders. In conditions like acne vulgaris, increased ductal keratinization leads to the formation of microcomedones and plugs the glandular opening, preventing normal sebum flow and promoting bacterial colonization, inflammation, and lesion development. While keratinization is a normal physiological process in many epithelial tissues, excessive or disordered keratinization in the sebaceous duct is pathologic and is a downstream consequence of broader cellular regulatory mechanisms, not a distinct molecular target or receptor for drug development[1][8].

Other names

ductal keratinization of sebaceous gland