AP-2 α/AP-2β transcription factors are key regulators of epidermal homeostasis

AP-2 transcription factors regulate ectodermal development but their roles for epidermal homeostasis in the adult skin are unknown. We find that AP-2 α is the predominant AP-2 family member in adult epidermis, followed by AP-2β. Through inactivation of AP-2α, AP-2β, or both in keratinocytes we assessed the effects of a gradient of epidermal AP-2 activity on skin function. We find that (1) loss of AP-2β in keratinocytes is compensated for by AP-2α, (2) loss of AP-2α impairs terminal keratinocyte differentiation and hair morphogenesis, and (3) the combined loss of AP-2α/AP-2β results in more severe skin and hair abnormalities.

Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - January 16, 2024 Category: Dermatology Authors: Hui Zhang, Jackelyn R. Raymundo, Kathleen E. Daly, Wenjuan Zhu, Bill Senapati, Hanyu Zhong, Arjun R. Ahilan, Alexander G. Marneros Tags: Original Article Source Type: research