title: The functional relevance of polyploidization in the skin.
abstract: Cell proliferation and differentiation are tightly coupled through the regulation of the cell division cycle. To preserve specific functional properties in differentiated cells, distinct variants of the basic mitotic cell cycle are used in various mammalian tissues, leading to the formation of polyploid cells. In this issue of Experimental Dermatology, Gandarillas and Freije discuss the evidences for polyploidization in keratinocytes, a process whose physiological relevance is now becoming evident. A better evaluation of these unconventional cell cycles is required not only to improve our understanding of the development and structure of the epidermis but also for future therapies against skin diseases.
authors: Cell Division and Cancer Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.
authors: Marianna
authors: M
authors: Trakala
authors: Marcos
authors: M
authors: Malumbres
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D062951:Endoreduplication / Q000502:physiology*; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological
keywords: cancer therapy; cell cycle; endomitosis; endoreplication; keratinocyte; polyploidy