Skin cell proliferation and differentiation

Skin cell proliferation and differentiation is a fundamental biological process responsible for the continuous renewal and maintenance of the skin barrier. In the epidermis, basal keratinocytes undergo mitotic division (proliferation) and subsequently migrate upward, undergoing structural and biochemical changes (differentiation) to form the protective stratum corneum [1, 10]. This orchestrated progression is regulated by a network of molecular targets, including Retinoic Acid Receptors (RAR), Vitamin D Receptors (VDR), and the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) [5, 11]. Dysregulation of this balance—characterized by accelerated proliferation and impaired maturation—is a hallmark of dermatological conditions such as psoriasis and acne [2, 13]. Therapeutic interventions, such as retinoids and vitamin D analogs, target these specific receptors to restore normal cellular turnover and barrier function [1, 11]. Because it involves a multi-step pathway and various molecular players, it is classified as a physiological process rather than a single discrete therapeutic target [8, 12].

Other names

Epidermal homeostasisKeratinocyte proliferation and differentiationCutaneous cell turnoverEpidermal differentiation

Modulation of nuclear receptors (such as RAR, RXR, and VDR) and signaling pathways (such as AhR, Wnt, and EGFR) to normalize the growth and maturation of keratinocytes.