Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which mostly cause target gene silencing via transcriptional repression and degradation of target mRNAs, regulate a plethora of cellular activities, such as cell growth, differentiation, development, and apoptosis. In the case of skin keratinocytes, the role of miRNA in epidermal barrier integrity has been identified. Based on the impact of key genetic and environmental factors on the integrity and maintenance of skin barrier, the association of miRNAs within epidermal cell differentiation and proliferation, cell–cell adhesion, and skin lipids is reviewed. The critical role of miRNAs in the epidermal barrier extends the use of miRNAs for control of relevant skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, ichthyoses, and psoriasis via miRNA-based technologies. Most of the relevant miRNAs have been associated with keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation. Few studies have investigated the association of miRNAs with structural proteins of corneocytes and cornified envelopes, cell–cell adhesion, and skin lipids. Further studies investigating the association between regulatory and structural components of epidermal barrier and miRNAs are needed to elucidate the role of miRNAs in epidermal barrier integrity and their clinical implications.
Highlights
MicroRNAs are short, non-coding endogenous single-stranded RNA molecules, each composed of 19–25 nucleotides that mostly cause target gene silencing via transcriptional repression and/or degradation of target mRNAs
Investigation of the role of miRNAs in age-related keratinocyte differentiation and barrier function revealed that the upregulation of miR-30a in human keratinocytes treated with calcium [28] results in impaired keratinocyte differentiation and barrier defects mediated via lysyl oxidase (LOX), isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), and apoptosis and caspase activation inhibitor (AVEN) [26]
Upregulation of miR-21 leads to impaired epidermal differentiation and SCC progression in Grhl3-depleted mice by targeting MutS homolog 2 (MSH2), whose sensitivity is increased by DND miRNA-mediated repression inhibitor 1 (DND1) RNA-binding protein [71]
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding endogenous single-stranded RNA molecules, each composed of 19–25 nucleotides that mostly cause target gene silencing via transcriptional repression and/or degradation of target mRNAs. The key role of miRNAs in controlling mammalian skin development has been identified in a mouse study via the epidermal-specific deletion of key enzymes in the miRNA biogenesis pathways, including Dicer and Dgcr (DGCR8 microprocessor complex subunit; cofactor of drosha ribonuclease III) [4,5]. These mice manifest phenotypes of dehydrated skin, apoptotic hair follicles, and neonatal lethality. This review covers the role of miRNAs in the formation and maintenance of skin barrier and its integrity in normal and diseased conditions, under the impact of genetic and environmental factors in epidermal cell differentiation and proliferation, cell–cell adhesion, and skin lipid synthesis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
