Stem Cells behind the Barrier

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Michael Cangkrama²  Stephen B. Ting¹ 

[1] Stem Cell Research Group, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Prahran VIC 3004, Australia; E-Mail:;Epidermal Development Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Prahran VIC 3004, Australia; E-Mail:

关键词: stem cell;    epidermis;    differentiation;    proliferation;    barrier;    cancer;    asymmetric cell division;    epigenetic;    microRNA;    transcription factor;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms140713670

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Epidermal stem cells sustain the adult skin for a lifetime through self-renewal and the production of committed progenitors. These stem cells generate progeny that will undergo terminal differentiation leading to the development of a protective epidermal barrier. Whereas the molecular mechanisms that govern epidermal barrier repair and renewal have been extensively studied, pathways controlling stem cell differentiation remain poorly understood. Asymmetric cell divisions, small non-coding RNAs (microRNAs), chromatin remodeling complexes, and multiple differentiation factors tightly control the balance of stem and progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation, and disruption of this balance leads to skin diseases. In this review, we summarize and discuss current advances in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating epidermal stem and progenitor cell differentiation, and explore new relationships for maintenance of skin barrier function.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland