Role of PPAR, LXR, and PXR in epidermal homeostasis and inflammation
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Updated: May 5, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Primary Mouse Keratinocytes from Neonatal and Adult Mouse Skin
Published on: July 14, 2017
Matthias Schmuth1, Verena Moosbrugger-Martinz1, Stefan Blunder1
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
Abstract:
Epidermal lipid synthesis and metabolism are regulated by nuclear hormone receptors (NHR) and in turn epidermal lipid metabolites can serve as ligands to NHR. NHR form a large superfamily of receptors modulating gene transcription through DNA binding. A subgroup of these receptors is ligand-activated and heterodimerizes with the retinoid X receptor including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), liver X receptor (LXR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR). Several isotypes of these receptors exist, all of which are expressed in skin. In keratinocytes, ligand activation of PPARs and LXRs stimulates differentiation, induces lipid accumulation, and accelerates epidermal barrier regeneration. In the cutaneous immune system, ligand activation of all three receptors, PPAR, LXR, and PXR, has inhibitory properties, partially mediated by downregulation of the NF-kappaB pathway. PXR also has antifibrotic effects in the skin correlating with TGF-beta inhibition. In summary, ligands of PPAR, LXR and PXR exert beneficial therapeutic effects in skin disease and represent promising targets for future therapeutic approaches in dermatology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled The Important Role of Lipids in the Epidermis and their Role in the Formation and Maintenance of the Cutaneous Barrier. Guest Editors: Kenneth R. Feingold and Peter Elias.
Insights
Nuclear hormone receptors (NHR) regulate epidermal lipids. Ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), liver X receptor (LXR), and pregnane X receptor (PXR) show therapeutic potential for skin diseases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Epidermal lipid metabolism is intrinsically linked to nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs).
- NHRs are a large superfamily of transcription factors, with a subgroup acting as ligand-activated heterodimers with retinoid X receptor.
- Key NHRs in skin include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), liver X receptor (LXR), and pregnane X receptor (PXR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of NHRs in epidermal lipid metabolism and their therapeutic implications in skin conditions.
- To investigate how NHR activation influences keratinocyte function and the cutaneous immune system.
- To highlight the potential of PPAR, LXR, and PXR ligands as therapeutic targets in dermatology.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NHRs, epidermal lipids, and skin biology.
- Analysis of the functions of PPAR, LXR, and PXR in keratinocytes and the immune system.
- Examination of the impact of NHR ligand activation on gene transcription and cellular processes.
Main Results:
- Ligand activation of PPARs and LXRs in keratinocytes promotes differentiation, lipid accumulation, and epidermal barrier repair.
- Activation of PPAR, LXR, and PXR in the cutaneous immune system exhibits inhibitory effects, partly via NF-kappaB pathway downregulation.
- PXR activation demonstrates antifibrotic properties in the skin through inhibition of TGF-beta.
Conclusions:
- Ligands targeting PPAR, LXR, and PXR offer significant therapeutic benefits for various skin diseases.
- These NHRs and their ligands represent promising therapeutic avenues for future dermatological treatments.
- Understanding the interplay between epidermal lipids and NHRs is crucial for developing novel skin therapies.
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