Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026

Generation of Genetically Modified Organotypic Skin Cultures Using Devitalized Human Dermis
Published on: December 14, 2015
Transcription Factor CTIP1/ BCL11A Regulates Epidermal Differentiation and Lipid Metabolism During Skin Development
Shan Li1, Amy Teegarden2, Emily M Bauer1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, OSU, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA.
Abstract:
The epidermal permeability barrier (EPB) prevents organisms from dehydration and infection. The transcriptional regulation of EPB development is poorly understood. We demonstrate here that transcription factor COUP-TF-interacting protein 1 (CTIP1/BCL11A; hereafter CTIP1) is highly expressed in the developing murine epidermis. Germline deletion of Ctip1 (Ctip1 -/-) results in EPB defects accompanied by compromised epidermal differentiation, drastic reduction in profilaggrin processing, reduced lamellar bodies in granular layers and significantly altered lipid composition. Transcriptional profiling of Ctip1 -/- embryonic skin identified altered expression of genes encoding lipid-metabolism enzymes, skin barrier-associated transcription factors and junctional proteins. CTIP1 was observed to interact with genomic elements within the regulatory region of the gene encoding the differentiation-associated gene, Fos-related antigen2 (Fosl2) and lipid-metabolism-related gene, Fatty acid elongase 4 (Elvol4), and the expression of both was altered in Ctip1 -/- mice. CTIP1 appears to play a role in EPB establishment of via direct or indirect regulation of a subset of genes encoding proteins involved in epidermal differentiation and lipid metabolism. These results identify potential, CTIP1-regulated avenues for treatment of skin disorders involving EBP defects.
Related Concept Videos
Master Transcription Regulators
Transcription Factors
General Transcription Factors
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Cell Specific Gene Expression

