Tight Barriers

Barrier defects in the tight junctions of the epidermis are significantly associated with atopic dermatitis.

The stratum corneum provides a skin barrier, keeping the inside in and the outside out. Genetic defects in the production of filaggrin often compromise this barrier in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, two barriers reside in skin — the corneocytes of the stratum corneum and the “tight junctions” of the epidermis. Tight junctions are composed of claudins, functional adhesion protein A, occludin, tricellulin, and scaffolding proteins. By allowing passage between cells, tight junctions govern passage of water and chemicals through the skin. A recent study suggests tight-junction–related barrier defects are associated with AD.

The researchers examined expression profiles of uninvolved skin from AD patients, participants without atop…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)