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Cultivating a Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis at a Large Scale
Published on: May 28, 2021
Compartmentalization of the human stratum corneum by persistent tight junction-like structures
Marek Haftek1, Sylvie Callejon, Yongoua Sandjeu
1Université Lyon 1, EA4169 Normal and pathological functions of skin barrier, Lyon, France. marek.haftek@univ-lyon1.fr
Experimental Dermatology
|June 16, 2011
Summary
Tight junction (TJ) proteins persist in the stratum corneum (SC), reinforcing corneocyte connections and sealing intercorneocyte spaces. This structural persistence may influence the SC
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Tight junctions (TJs) are crucial for epidermal barrier function in living skin layers.
- Previous studies indicated TJ-like structures at the stratum granulosum (SG) of human epidermis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of TJ-derived structures within the stratum corneum (SC) of adult human epidermis.
- To examine the structural contribution of TJs to corneocyte interactions and epidermal barrier integrity.
Main Methods:
- Standard and immunoelectron microscopy were employed.
- Analysis of purified cornified envelopes from plantar SC.
Main Results:
- TJ proteins, including claudin-1, were detected in the lower SC and purified cornified envelopes.
- Molecular fusion points between corneocyte lipid envelopes were observed, particularly at the top of lateral membranes.
- These structures seal intercorneocyte spaces and form membrane interdigitations.
Conclusions:
- TJ-like structures persist in the SC, reinforcing corneocyte contacts and contributing to epidermal barrier function.
- The presence of TJs in the SC may compartmentalize extracellular spaces, influencing the differential degradation of corneodesmosomes.
- This compartmentalization could explain variations in degradation rates during physiological desquamation.
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