Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Keratinocyte Biology, Barrier Function, and Skin Inflammation
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Cellular Pathology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 289
Editors
Interests: keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation; barrier function; skin inflammatory diseases; psoriasis; atopic dermatitis; epithelial biology
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and is maintained through the proliferation and differentiation of epidermal stem and progenitor cells. As these keratinocytes exit the cell cycle and leave the basal layer, they undergo various stages of differentiation and migrate upward through the stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum. Ultimately, they form the stratum corneum.
Epidermal keratinocytes are key regulators of epidermal structure and function, playing essential and multiple roles in maintaining skin homeostasis, establishing the epidermal barrier, and modulating inflammatory responses. Beyond serving as passive structural components, keratinocytes actively integrate intrinsic signals with the external environment, acting as sensors and initiators of immune sensing, activation, and tolerance.
This Special Issue, “Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Keratinocyte Biology, Barrier Function, and Skin Inflammation”, aims to highlight recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern keratinocyte function from both physiological and pathological perspectives. We welcome the submission of original research articles and reviews that explore transcriptional, epigenetic, metabolic, and signaling mechanisms controlling epidermal proliferation, differentiation, migration, barrier homeostasis, and skin-related inflammatory diseases. Studies addressing how barrier disruption initiates or amplifies cutaneous inflammation, as well as the reciprocal interactions between keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and immune cells, are particularly encouraged. We hope this Special Issue will stimulate further investigation into keratinocyte-centered mechanisms and uncover new therapeutic strategies targeting epidermal barrier dysfunction and skin inflammatory diseases.
Dr. Ye Liu
Prof. Dr. Seungphil Hong
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- keratinocytes
- skin barrier
- skin inflammation
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