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Proteases: common culprits in human skin disorders
Simon J de Veer1, Laetitia Furio2, Jonathan M Harris3
1INSERM, U781, 75743 Cedex 15, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes and Institute Imagine, 75743 Cedex 15, Paris, France; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia.
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|January 2, 2014
Summary
Proteases and their inhibitors form a complex network in the epidermis, crucial for skin homeostasis. Dysregulation of these proteases contributes to numerous skin diseases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Proteases and their inhibitors are newly recognized as critical components of the epidermis.
- An intricate proteolytic network, involving over 30 enzymes, operates within the skin's outermost layer.
- Aberrant protease activity is increasingly linked to various human skin pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the diverse roles of proteases in maintaining epidermal homeostasis.
- To explore the spectrum of skin disorders associated with dysregulated proteolytic pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of recent clinical and laboratory findings.
- Analysis of the functions of proteases in epidermal homeostasis and disease.
Main Results:
- Proteolytic enzymes play essential roles in epidermal homeostasis, acting as processing enzymes and signaling molecules.
- Defective regulation of protease-mediated processes is a significant factor in human skin diseases.
- The number of identified diseases linked to aberrant proteolytic activity has more than doubled recently.
Conclusions:
- Proteolytic networks are integral to epidermal function and homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of these networks is a key driver of both rare and common skin disorders.
- Understanding these pathways offers insights into novel therapeutic strategies for skin diseases.
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