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Expression of transglutaminase activity in developing human epidermis.
M Akiyama1, L T Smith, H Shimizu
1Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Ichihara Hospital, Chiba, Japan. akiyama@med.teikyo-u.ac.jp
The British Journal of Dermatology
|March 24, 2000
Summary
Epidermal transglutaminase (TGase) activity is crucial for skin development. This study tracked TGase in fetal skin, finding its expression shifts to aid cornified cell envelope formation during keratinocyte differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epidermal transglutaminase (TGase) facilitates protein cross-linking essential for keratinocyte terminal differentiation.
- The formation of the cornified cell envelope is a critical step in epidermal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatiotemporal expression of TGase activity during human fetal skin development.
- To elucidate the role of TGase in the formation of the cornified cell envelope in fetal epidermis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an in situ TGase activity assay on human fetal skin explants.
- Analyzed samples across a range of estimated gestational ages (EGA) from 49 to 163 days.
Main Results:
- TGase activity was initially absent in early fetal epidermis (49-56 days EGA).
- Weak TGase activity emerged in periderm cells from 57 days EGA onwards, preceding stratification.
- Significant TGase expression was observed in granular and cornified layers only after keratinization at 163 days EGA.
Conclusions:
- TGase activity is developmentally regulated in human fetal skin.
- The localization of TGase activity supports its role in cornified cell envelope formation by periderm cells during their regression.