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Epidermal differentiation, apoptosis, and senescence: common pathways?
1Institut de Génétique Moléculaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), F34293, Montpellier, France. agandari@igm.cnrs-mop.fr
Abstract:
Regulation and execution of epidermal terminal differentiation, apoptosis and cellular senescence share some molecular and cellular features. The three phenomena result in suppression of proliferation and in some instances they seem to overlap. The boundaries between keratinocyte terminal differentiation and senescence are unclear and the former has been proposed to be a form of apoptosis. However, cumulative evidence argues that they are alternative, independent responses to different stimuli. I summarize in this review classical and recent evidence underlying the molecular control of these biological processes and propose a rationale to understand their nature and function in epidermis.
Insights
Epidermal terminal differentiation, apoptosis, and cellular senescence are distinct processes that suppress cell proliferation. This review clarifies their molecular control and independent functions in the skin.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epidermal terminal differentiation, apoptosis, and cellular senescence are key cellular processes.
- These processes share molecular features and can suppress proliferation, leading to overlap.
- The distinction between keratinocyte terminal differentiation and senescence remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular mechanisms controlling epidermal terminal differentiation, apoptosis, and senescence.
- To clarify the distinct nature and functions of these three cellular processes.
- To propose a framework for understanding their roles in epidermal biology.
Main Methods:
- Review of classical and recent scientific literature.
- Analysis of molecular and cellular evidence.
- Synthesis of data to propose a functional rationale.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests terminal differentiation and senescence are alternative, independent responses.
- These processes are triggered by different stimuli.
- Distinct molecular pathways govern each process despite shared features.
Conclusions:
- Epidermal terminal differentiation, apoptosis, and senescence are distinct biological outcomes.
- Understanding their independent molecular control is crucial for epidermal homeostasis.
- This review provides a rationale for their specific functions in the skin.