Epidermal keratinocytes: regulation of multiple cell phenotypes by multiple protein kinase C isoforms.
Squamous cells form the outermost layers of the epidermis, and though they are readily discarded from the tissue, they serve a vital water barrier function while in the stratum corneum. The generation of cornified or squamous keratinocytes involves a complex, multi-step differentiation process that insures the proper physical and immunological barrier functions of the epidermis are maintained. The regulation of keratinocyte terminal differentiation is influenced by a large number of signaling pathways. This article will review some recent findings regarding the roles of the protein kinase C (PKC) family in normal keratinocyte differentiation, as well as their involvement in skin diseases, especially skin cancer.
Denning
Mitchell F
MF
Skin Cancer Research Program, Department of Pathology and the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S. First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. mdennin@lumc.edu
D002454:Cell Differentiation; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D004817:Epidermis / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000378:metabolism; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D020033:Protein Isoforms; D011493:Protein Kinase C