Open AccessElucidating the molecular landscape of the stratum corneum
Author(s) -
Nichola Starr,
Mohammed H. Khan,
Max K Edney,
Gustavo F. Trindade,
Stefanie Kern,
Alexander Pirkl,
Matthias Kleine-Boymann,
Christopher Elms,
Mark M. O’Mahony,
Mike Bell,
Morgan R. Alexander,
David J. Scurr
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2114380119
Subject(s) - stratum corneum , in situ , computational biology , biology , chemistry , genetics , organic chemistry
Significance Skin is recognized as an intricate assembly of molecular components, which facilitate cell signaling, metabolism, and protein synthesis mechanisms in order to offer protection, regulation, and sensation to the body. Our study takes significant steps to characterize in more detail the complex chemistry of the skin, in particular by generating a better understanding of the uppermost layer, the stratum corneum. Using a state-of-the-art 3D OrbiSIMS technique, we were able to observe the depth distribution, in situ, for a wide range of molecular species. This unprecedented molecular characterization of skin provides information that has the potential to benefit research into fundamental processes, such as those associated with skin aging and disease, and the development and delivery of effective topical formulations.