Protein kinase C/Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in keratinocyte differentiation control

Abstract

Proper epidermal keratinocyte differentiation, which is necessary for cutaneous barrier function, is altered in many common skin diseases. Keratinocyte differentiation is controlled by a complex signaling network involving multiple members of the protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling kinases. Using an RNA interference knockdown approach, Adhikary et al. identified essential nodes in this signaling network, revealing remarkable kinase specificity. © 2010 The Society for Investigative Dermatology.