The heterogeneity of the germinative compartment in human epidermis and its implications in pathogenesis.
In mouse epidermis keratinocytes of the basal layer seem to belong to 3 different subpopulations: stem cells, transit cells and postmitotic cells. Each subpopulation assumes a specific role in epidermal homeostasis. Recent data tend to display a similar heterogeneity among basal keratinocytes in human epidermis. This concept opens the door to an integrated understanding of epidermal renewal but also suggests new hypotheses in pathogenesis. Psoriasis, a typical example of epidermal hyperplasia, is considered from this point of view.
Laporte
M
M
Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Erasme, Brussels, Belgium.
Heenen
M
M
D000818:Animals; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D004817:Epidermis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008938:Mitosis / Q000502:physiology; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology