Epidermal Differentiation in Barrier Maintenance and Wound Healing.

ABSTRACT: Significance: The epidermal barrier prevents water loss and serves as the body's first line of defense against toxins, chemicals, and infectious microbes. Disruption of the barrier, either through congenital disorders of barrier formation or through wounds, puts the individual at risk for dehydration, hypersensitivity, infection, and prolonged inflammation. Epidermal barrier disorders affect millions of patients in the United States, causing loss of productivity and diminished quality of life for patients and their families, and represent a burden to the health-care system and society. Recent Advances: The genetic basis of many congenital barrier disorders has been identified in recent years, and great advances have been made in the molecular mechanisms of the formation and h

SUBMITTER: Wikramanayake TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3955965 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature