What is it about?

The skin is composed of two layers the epidermis and the underlying dermis. The epidermis attaches to the underlying dermis through integrins and laminins. Mutations in any of these genes causes a rare genetic skin disease in humans called epidermolysis bullosa. How these genes are regulated is unknown. This work demonstrates that an RNA binding protein called HNRNPL can bind to chromatin to promote the transcription of the integrins and laminins. Without these protein, the skin splits apart which resembles epidermolysis bullosa.

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Why is it important?

Understanding how epidermal stem cells function and promote attachment to the underlying dermis allows potential cures to skin blistering disorders such as epidermolysis bullosa as well as rejuvenation of the skin.

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This page is a summary of: Regulation of integrin and extracellular matrix genes by HNRNPL is necessary for epidermal renewal, PLoS Biology, September 2021, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001378.
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