Fatty acid transporters in skin development, function and disease

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Fatty acids are essential for epidermal structure and function, including sebaceous gland activity.
• Keratinocytes synthesize fatty acids or uptake them via protein transporters.
• Key candidate transporters for long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) uptake include fatty acid translocase/CD36, fatty acid binding protein, and fatty acid transport protein (FATP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of fatty acid uptake facilitated by epidermal transporters.
• To discuss the clinical implications of transporter defects.
• To examine relevant animal models, including FATP4 models and ichthyosis prematurity syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on fatty acid transport mechanisms in the epidermis.
• Discussion of clinical data and animal models related to fatty acid transporter deficiencies.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on epidermal lipid metabolism and transport.

Main Results:

• Multiple protein transporters are implicated in epidermal fatty acid uptake.
• Deficiencies in transporters like FATP4 cause severe skin barrier defects.
• FATP4 deficiency is directly linked to ichthyosis prematurity syndrome.

Conclusions:

• Understanding fatty acid transport is crucial for comprehending epidermal homeostasis.
• Genetic defects in fatty acid transporters have significant clinical consequences for skin barrier function.
• Further research into these transporters may reveal therapeutic targets for skin disorders.