Regulation of Cell Polarity and Tissue Architecture in Epidermal Aging and Cancer

J Invest Dermatol. 2021 Apr;141(4S):1017-1023. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.12.012. Epub 2021 Jan 30.

Abstract

The mammalian skin is essential to protect the organism from external damage while at the same time enabling communication with the environment. Aging compromises skin function and regeneration, which is further exacerbated by external influences, such as UVR from the sun. Aging and UVR are also major risk factors contributing to the development of skin cancer. Whereas aging research traditionally has focused on the role of DNA damage and metabolic and stress pathways, less is known about how aging affects tissue architecture and cell dynamics in skin homeostasis and regeneration and whether changes in these processes promote skin cancer. This review highlights how key regulators of cell polarity and adhesion affect epidermal mechanics, tissue architecture, and stem cell dynamics in skin aging and cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion / radiation effects
  • Cell Polarity / genetics*
  • Cell Polarity / radiation effects
  • DNA Damage / radiation effects
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Epidermis / pathology*
  • Epidermis / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Regeneration / genetics
  • Regeneration / radiation effects
  • Skin Aging / genetics*
  • Skin Aging / radiation effects
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Stem Cells
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects