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Phenotypical and functional differences in germinative subpopulations derived from normal and psoriatic epidermis
Manon E J Franssen1, Patrick L J M Zeeuwen, Gerty Vierwinden
1Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. m.franssen@derman.umcn.nl
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|January 29, 2005
Summary
Psoriatic epidermis shows altered stem cell (SC) and transit amplifying cell (TAC) populations, impacting skin homeostasis. These findings suggest TACs are crucial for epidermal growth control.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Epidermal Homeostasis
Background:
- Human epidermis relies on a balance between stem cells (SC) and transit amplifying cells (TAC) for normal homeostasis.
- SC self-renewal and TAC proliferation must be tightly regulated for proper epidermal differentiation.
- Psoriatic epidermis may exhibit a disturbed balance in these crucial cell populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential disturbances in SC and TAC populations in psoriatic epidermis.
- To characterize phenotypical and functional differences between normal and psoriatic SC and TAC.
- To propose a model for epidermal growth control involving TAC.
Main Methods:
- Flow sorting to enrich SC and TAC populations.
- Immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry for phenotypical analysis.
- Real-time quantitative PCR for gene expression analysis.
Main Results:
- Phenotypical and functional differences were observed in SC (beta(1)-integrin bright) and TAC (beta(1)-integrin dim) fractions between normal and psoriatic keratinocytes.
- Psoriatic TACs displayed distinct phenotypes and culture behaviors compared to normal TACs.
- Downregulation of regenerative markers in cultured psoriatic TACs suggests coupled proliferation and maturation.
Conclusions:
- A disturbed balance between SC and TAC populations exists in psoriatic epidermis.
- TACs play a critical role in epidermal growth control, with altered function in psoriasis.
- The findings support a revised model of epidermal growth regulation emphasizing TAC function.