The role of cell–cell and cell–matrix junctional complexes in sebaceous gland homeostasis and differentiation

Abstract

Sebaceous glands (SG) are essential for maintaining skin integrity, as their lipid-rich secretion (sebum) lubricates and protects the epidermis and hairs. In addition, these glands have an emerging role in immunomodulation and may affect whole-body energy metabolism, besides being an appealing model for research in topics as lipogenesis, stem cell biology and tumorigenesis. In spite of the increasing interest in studying SGs pathophysiology, sebocyte cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion processes have been only superficially examined, and never in a systematic way. This is regrettable considering the key role of cellular adhesion in general, the specific expression pattern of indivdual junctional complexes, and the reports of structural changes in SGs after altered expression of adhesion-relevant proteins. Here, we review the available information on structural and functional aspects of cell–cell and cell–matrix junctions in sebocytes, and how these processes change under pathological conditions. This information will contribute for better understanding sebocyte differentiation and sebum secretion, and may provide hints for novel therapeutic strategies for skin diseases.