ΔNp63 Is Essential for Epidermal Commitment of Embryonic Stem Cells
2008

The Role of ΔNp63 in Skin Cell Development

publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Medawar Alain, Virolle Thierry, Rostagno Philippe, de la Forest-Divonne Stéphanie, Gambaro Karen, Rouleau Matthieu, Aberdam Daniel

Primary Institution: INSERM, U898, Nice, France

Hypothesis

ΔNp63 is essential for the commitment of embryonic stem cells to epidermal cell fate.

Conclusion

ΔNp63 is necessary for the commitment of embryonic stem cells into K5/K14-positive epithelial cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • ΔNp63 is activated after BMP-4 treatment, indicating its role in epidermal development.
  • Loss of ΔNp63 function prevents the commitment of ectodermal cells to the epidermal lineage.
  • Gain of function experiments show that ΔNp63 allows commitment to K5/K14-positive cells.

Takeaway

This study shows that a specific protein called ΔNp63 is really important for turning stem cells into skin cells.

Methodology

In vitro experiments using embryonic stem cells treated with BMP-4 to study differentiation into epidermal cells.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on a specific isoform of p63 and may not account for other factors influencing epidermal differentiation.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003441

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication