part of part of capable of basal cell basal cell of epidermis 2010-08-26T03:12:49Z https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002187 A mitotically active, columnar-shaped keratinocyte located in the stratum basale of the epidermis and attached to the basement membrane. This cell exhibits heterogeneity, encompassing stem and progenitor subpopulations with distinct molecular and proliferative characteristics (Haensel et al., 2020), and serves as the primary source of new keratinocytes for epidermal renewal, homeostasis, and regeneration. The basal cells of the epidermis make up the innermost layer of the skin, providing an essential structural component to the body's largest organ. These cuboidal-shaped cells are critical to the skin's renewal process, dividing to form new keratinocytes that gradually make their way to the skin’s surface. The migration of these cells creates a protective barrier that impedes damage from environmental factors like sunlight, radiation, and harmful pathogens. Basal cells have an additional, pivotal role beyond formation and migration of keratinocytes: they are also directly involved in the production of various types of skin appendages, including hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Coupled with their prolific regenerative properties, these functions make basal cells vital for maintaining the skin's overall health and vitality. Changes and mutations in the formation and growth of basal cells of the epidermis can lead to cancerous lesions. Though usually not life-threatening, early identification is critical to minimizing further tissue damage. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) epidermal basal cell FMA:70571 epidermal basal keratinocyte progenitor cell stem cell of epidermis epidermal keratinocyte keratinocyte differentiation stratum basale of epidermis