Keratinocyte

A keratinocyte is the predominant cell of the epidermis. It produces keratin and helps build the skin’s protective barrier.

Keratin: A family of structural proteins that forms intermediate filaments in epithelial cells and hard tissues such as hair and nails. Keratin filaments reinforce keratinocytes as they mature and strengthen the epidermal barrier.
Epidermis: The outermost layer of skin, composed mainly of stratified squamous epithelium and lacking blood vessels. Keratinocytes make up most of this tissue and move through its layers.
Wound healing: The coordinated biological process that restores tissue integrity after injury. Keratinocytes migrate and proliferate to re-cover the wound surface.
Melanocyte: A pigment-producing cell that synthesizes melanin and transfers it to neighboring epidermal cells. Melanocytes transfer pigment to keratinocytes, helping protect their nuclei from ultraviolet radiation.
Keratinocyte differentiation: The maturation process through which basal keratinocytes acquire specialized structures and functions as they move toward the skin surface. This process turns proliferating basal cells into barrier-forming cells.
Basal cell: A cell in the deepest layer of an epithelium, often capable of division and tissue renewal. Basal keratinocytes replenish the epidermis through cell division.
Psoriasis: A chronic immune-mediated disease that causes inflamed, thickened, and scaling skin plaques. Accelerated keratinocyte growth and altered maturation contribute to plaque formation.
Langerhans cell: An antigen-presenting immune cell found primarily in the epidermis. Langerhans cells monitor the epidermis alongside keratinocytes, which also signal during immune responses.
Cornification: The terminal differentiation process in which keratinocytes become flattened, protein-rich corneocytes and lose their nuclei and organelles. It creates the tough outer cells that protect the skin.
Stratum basale: The deepest epidermal layer, where keratinocytes attach to the basement membrane and many divide. It is the main site of keratinocyte renewal.

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