Skin Diseases: Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches

Dear Colleagues,

The discipline of Dermatology is currently experiencing profound changes and rapid adaptations to the ongoing progress in recognition of novel disease mechanisms. The application of novel technologies and -omic approaches in the study of the skin under homeostasis and pathological conditions has transformed our understanding of its function as an intricate network of histogenetically different cellular populations that are organized in anatomically distinct compartments, yet with constant communication in health and disease. This understanding has rapidly translated into the advent of innovative therapeutic approaches based on targeting relevant biomolecular pathways in the tissue. Finely tuned processes of biochemical cascades that pertain to biomolecules and small molecules signaling, safeguard skin tissue renewal homeostasis across the spatio-temporal cellular differentiation of the healthy epidermis in interaction with the subepithelial skin compartments and the extracutaneous tissues in the organism. Not to forget, at this point, the emerging role of the crosstalk between the skin microbiome and the cutaneous cellular tissue components. Accordingly, current advances in dermatology are based mainly on (a) the recognition of immune pathways that participate in disease pathogenesis and (b) seminal developments in the field of cutaneous biology. The former has revolutionized the therapeutics of many highly prevalent skin conditions (immunological therapies,  initially for psoriasis and, meanwhile, also for atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and more recently, urticaria, pemphigus, alopecia areata, vitiligo, skin neoplasms, etc.). On the other hand, core advances in the field of skin physiology are expected to lead to efficient therapeutic modalities for a series of severe dermatoses, including severe congenital skin conditions and the pathogenesis of distinctive integumental pathologies, e.g., pruritus.

We welcome original research and review articles that explore the following:

Pathophysiological insights into inflammatory skin diseases, autoimmune conditions, and skin cancers, with emphasis on molecular and cellular interactions implicated in disease development.

Seminal findings on the mechanisms of healthy skin homeostasis, cutaneous tissue repair adaptations, skin interactions with pathogens, and novel therapeutic approaches within the context of skin biology.

Translational studies connecting experimental findings with clinical outcomes in dermatology, highlighting biomarkers, mechanisms of action, and pathway-informed approaches that underpin treatment strategies.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Georgios Gaitanis
Prof. Dr. Ioannis D. Bassukas
Dr. Achilleas Floudas
Guest Editors

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