The epidermal layer of the skin provides an essential function as a protective barrier against insults from the external environment. The predominant cell type in the epidermis is keratinocytes which account for around 85% of living epidermal cells. They are so named because the most abundant protein in this cell type is keratin. Keratinocytes belong to stratified squamous epithelia. Progenitors of keratinocytes reside and divide in the basal layer of the epidermis. They then differentiate, migrate towards the surface of epidermis, and eventually withdraw from the cell cycle permanently. Keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, and programmed cell death are complex and carefully choreographed processes [1]. Apart from their protective functions, keratinocytes express adhesion molecules and cytokines, further suggesting an implication in skin innate immunity, tissue homeostasis, wound healing, cancer development, and skin-based gene-therapy [2, 3].
Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Keratinocyte Medium (KM, Cat. No. SC2101) for culturing REK in vitro.
Product Use
This product is for research use only. It is not approved for use in humans, animals, or in vitro diagnostic procedures.
Storage
Upon receiving, directly and immediately transfer the cells from dry ice to liquid nitrogen and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until they are needed for experiments.
Shipping
Dry ice
Warranty
Cells are only warranted if ScienCell media and reagents are used and the recommended protocols are followed.
References
[1] Eckert, R. L., Efimova, T., Dashti, S. R., Balasubramanian, S., Deucher, A., Crish, J. F., Sturniolo, M. and Bone, F. (2002) Keratinocyte survival, differentiation, and death: many roads lead to mitogen-activated protein kinase. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 7(1):36-40.
[2] Song, P. I., Park, Y. M., Abraham, T., Harten, B., Zivony, A., Neparidze, N., Armstrong, C. A. and Ansel, J. C. (2002) Human keratinocytes express functional CD14 and toll-like receptor 4. J Invest Dermatol 119(2):424-32.
[3] de Panfilis, G., Semenza, D., Lavazza, A., Mulder, A. A., Mommaas, A. M. and Pasolini, G. (2002) Keratinocytes constitutively express the CD95 ligand molecule on the plasma membrane: an in situ immunoelectron microscopy study on ultracryosections of normal human skin. Br J Dermatol. 147(1):7-12.