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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
08:49
Cultivating a Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis at a Large Scale
Published on: May 28, 2021
Ceramide biosynthesis in keratinocyte and its role in skin function
Yukiko Mizutani1, Susumu Mitsutake, Kiyomi Tsuji
1Hokkaido University, Kita-jo, Nishi-choume, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan.
Biochimie
|April 15, 2009
Summary
Understanding epidermal ceramides is crucial for skin barrier function. This review details ceramide synthesis, their heterogeneity, and how topical or oral ceramide application benefits skin health.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- The stratum corneum, the epidermis's outer layer, provides essential barrier functions.
- Ceramides are the most abundant lipids in the stratum corneum, crucial for epidermal permeability barrier function.
- Reduced ceramide levels are linked to skin water loss and barrier dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular heterogeneity of epidermal ceramides.
- To explore the roles of ceramides in epidermal barrier functions.
- To discuss ceramide biosynthesis enzymes and the effects of ceramide application on skin health.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on ceramide biosynthesis and function.
- Identification and characterization of ceramide synthase (CerS) enzymes (CerS1-CerS6).
- Analysis of ceramide chain-length specificity in epidermal ceramide synthesis.
Main Results:
- Ceramides exhibit significant molecular heterogeneity in sphingoid base and fatty acid composition.
- Specific ceramide synthase isoforms play key roles in synthesizing epidermal ceramides with chain-length specificity.
- Experimental data suggest that both oral and topical ceramide application can improve skin health.
Conclusions:
- Understanding ceramide biosynthesis and heterogeneity is vital for addressing skin barrier disorders.
- Targeting ceramide-producing enzymes offers potential therapeutic strategies.
- Ceramide supplementation, via direct application or oral intake, shows promise for enhancing skin barrier function and health.
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