Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

09:16
Generation of Genetically Modified Organotypic Skin Cultures Using Devitalized Human Dermis
Published on: December 14, 2015
[The dermo-epidermal juncture. Recent aspects of pathophysiology]
1Dermatologische Klinik Zürich.
Summary
The dermo-epidermal junction is crucial for skin integrity. New research aids in diagnosing blistering diseases like epidermolysis bullosa by understanding these complex skin structures.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- The dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) is a critical skin layer providing structural integrity.
- Disruptions in the DEJ, due to immune deposits or genetic defects, cause blistering diseases.
- Understanding the DEJ is vital for diagnosing and treating various skin conditions.
Purpose:
- To explore the structural and functional significance of the dermo-epidermal junction.
- To highlight recent advancements in diagnosing blistering disorders.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying epidermolysis bullosa.
Summary:
- The dermo-epidermal junction anchors the epidermis to the dermis, essential for skin coherence and resisting mechanical stress.
- Abnormalities, such as immune deposits or genetic mutations, can lead to dermo-epidermal splitting and blister formation.
- Recent morphologic, biochemical, and molecular studies offer improved diagnostic capabilities for bullous diseases and insights into epidermolysis bullosa.
Impact:
- Facilitates faster and more accurate diagnosis of bullous diseases.
- Enhances understanding of skin structure and disease pathogenesis.
- Provides a foundation for developing targeted therapies for inherited blistering disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular cells,...
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own EpiSCs...
Cells of the Epidermis
The epidermis is made of four or five layers of epithelial cells, depending on its location in the body. From deep to superficial, these layers are the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
Papillary Dermis
Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Layers of the Epidermis
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of several distinct layers. From deep to superficial, the layers of the epidermis are as follows:
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
Reticular Dermis
The papillary and reticular dermis are the two layers of the dermis. They are made of connective tissue with fibers of collagen extending from one to the other, making the border between the two somewhat indistinct. The dermal papillae extending into the epidermis belong to the papillary layer, whereas the dense collagen fiber bundles below belong to the reticular layer.
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...

