Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
09:16
Generation of Genetically Modified Organotypic Skin Cultures Using Devitalized Human Dermis
Published on: December 14, 2015
ΔNp63 is an ectodermal gatekeeper of epidermal morphogenesis
R Shalom-Feuerstein1, A M Lena, H Zhou
1INSERM U898, University of Nice, 28 Avenue Valombrose, Nice, France. shalomfe@unice.fr
Cell Death and Differentiation
|December 4, 2010
Summary
The p63 protein is crucial for developing stratified epithelia. Without p63, embryos fail to form stratified epithelia, highlighting its essential role in early epidermal morphogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The p63 protein, a p53 family member, is vital for stratified epithelial development and maintenance.
- A long-standing debate exists regarding the precise role of p63 in the failure of p63-null embryos to develop stratified epithelia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of p63 in epithelial embryogenesis.
- To clarify the function of p63 in the development of stratified epithelia, independent of adult stem cell regulation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of p63-deficient mouse embryo strains.
- Transcriptome analysis of laser-captured embryonic tissues.
- Gene expression profiling to identify p63-regulated genes.
Main Results:
- p63-deficient epithelia failed to progress beyond the ectodermal stage, remaining a monolayer of non-proliferating cells.
- Corneal epithelial commitment was significantly impaired in p63-deficient embryos.
- Transcriptome analysis revealed that epidermal genes remained silent and mesodermal genes were activated in p63-null tissues, while novel p63-induced genes orchestrating stratification were identified.
Conclusions:
- p63 plays a critical role in early epithelial embryogenesis and epidermal morphogenesis, preceding its function in adult stem cell regulation.
- The absence of p63 leads to a failure in epidermal morphogenesis initiation and activation of a mesodermal program.
- This study identifies key p63-induced genes essential for the initial steps of epidermal stratification.
Related Concept Videos
03:14Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
02:19Morphogenesis
Plant morphogenesis—the development of a plant’s form and structure—involves several overlapping developmental processes, including growth and cell differentiation. Precursor cells differentiate into specific cell types, which are organized into the tissues and organ systems that make up the functional plant.
01:51Determination
During embryogenesis, cells become progressively committed to different fates through a two-step process: specification followed by determination. Specification is demonstrated by removing a segment of an early embryo, “neutrally” culturing the tissue in vitro—for example, in a petri dish with simple medium—and then observing the derivatives. If the cultured region gives rise to cell types that it would normally generate in the embryo, this means that it is specified. In contrast, determination...
01:30Neurulation
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.