The Human Epidermal Basement Membrane: A Shaped and Cell Instructive Platform That Aging Slowly Alters

Abstract

One of the most important functions of skin is to act as a protective barrier. To fulfill this role, the structural integrity of the skin depends on the dermal-epidermal junction—a complex network of extracellular matrix macromolecules that connect the outer epidermal layer to the underlying dermis. This junction provides both a structural support to keratinocytes and a specific niche that mediates signals influencing their behavior. It displays a distinctive microarchitecture characterized by an undulating pattern, strengthening dermal-epidermal connectivity and crosstalk. The optimal stiffness arising from the overall molecular organization, together with characteristic anchoring complexes, keeps the dermis and epidermis layers extremely well connected and capable of proper epidermal renewal and regeneration. Due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors, a large number of structural and biological changes accompany skin aging. These changes progressively weaken the dermal–epidermal junction substructure and affect its functions, contributing to the gradual decline in overall skin physiology. Most changes involve reduced turnover or altered enzymatic or non-enzymatic post-translational modifications, compromising the mechanical properties of matrix components and cells. This review combines recent and older data on organization of the dermal-epidermal junction, its mechanical properties and role in mechanotransduction, its involvement in regeneration, and its fate during the aging process.

Histopathological Changes in Lesional and Perilesional Vitiligo Skin

“…In the current study, there was an increase in basement membrane thickness in all examined cases. This was in agreement with an ultrastructural study by Roig-Rosello and Rousselle (20) as normal dermal nerves are performed. Also, Stylianos et al (21) reported that, in vitiligo it is well-documented that epidermis is thicker than in normally pigmented skin in frozen sections and that inflammatory changes are more frequent and intense in the epidermis and dermis of perilesional skin.…”

Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Skin Regeneration and Rejuvenation

“…Between the epidermis and dermis, there is a cutaneous basement membrane zone, which connects basal keratinocytes with collagen fibers located on the surface of the dermis [ 36 ]. The main function of this structure is to provide adhesion between both layers, Since the epidermis is avascular, the basement membrane zone allows oxygen and nutrient exchange from the vascular dermis to the epidermis [ 37 ].…”

Anti-Aging β-Klotho Gene-Activated Scaffold Promotes Rejuvenative Wound Healing Response in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

“…The collagen IV protein represents 50% of all basement membrane [63] and provides structural stability to the basement membrane [59]. However, aging significantly reduces collagen IV expression in the dermal-epidermal junction [58,64] and the lack of collagen IV can promote scar pathogenesis [65]. Thus, our results suggest that the increased basement membrane regenerative potency of the ADSCsladen gene-activated scaffold can significantly aid in enhanced healing in aged patients.…”