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Isolation and Culture of Primary Mouse Keratinocytes from Neonatal and Adult Mouse Skin
Published on: July 14, 2017
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Integrin-Linked Kinase Is Indispensable for Keratinocyte Differentiation and Epidermal Barrier Function
Samar Sayedyahossein1, Alena Rudkouskaya1, Valerie Leclerc1
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Children's Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|March 12, 2016
Summary
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is crucial for skin barrier function. ILK deficiency impairs keratinocyte differentiation and tight junction formation, compromising the epidermis's ability to block harmful substances.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- A functional skin permeability barrier is vital for epidermal integrity, preventing the entry of water, electrolytes, and pathogens.
- Terminally differentiated keratinocytes form a cornified envelope and tight intercellular junctions to establish this barrier.
- Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is known for its role in hair follicle morphogenesis and epidermal-basement membrane attachment, but its function in differentiated keratinocytes is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in keratinocyte differentiation and intercellular junction formation.
- To determine ILK's involvement in establishing the epidermal permeability barrier.
Main Methods:
- Studied keratinocyte differentiation responses to calcium.
- Examined the translocation of key proteins like E-cadherin and ZO-1 in ILK-deficient cells.
- Assessed epidermal barrier properties in situ using dextran tracers.
Main Results:
- Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) plays a key role in keratinocyte differentiation triggered by increased extracellular calcium.
- ILK is essential for the proper assembly of adherens and tight junctions by regulating the cell membrane translocation of E-cadherin and ZO-1.
- ILK deficiency leads to impaired microtubule function and RhoA activation, resulting in reduced tight junction formation and increased permeability to macromolecules.
Conclusions:
- Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is indispensable for keratinocyte differentiation and the formation of a functional epidermal barrier.
- ILK regulates the assembly of intercellular junctions, contributing significantly to epidermal integrity and barrier function.
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