capable of multi fate stem cell keratinocyte keratinocyte stem cell 2010-09-20T03:07:03Z https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002337 https://cdn.humanatlas.io/digital-objects/2d-ftu/skin-hair-follicle/v1.0/assets/2d-ftu-skin-hair-follicle.png Keratinocyte stem cells are a subpopulation of cells located in the basal layer, or stratum basale, of the epidermis, in the bulge region of hair follicles, and in sebaceous glands. The primary function of keratinocyte stem cells is to renew the skin tissue, the primary barrier that protects our bodies from external environmental factors. To perform this function, keratinocyte stem cells possess the ability to self-renew, maintaining their population, and to produce transient amplifying (TA) cells, which replicate rapidly and differentiate into keratinocytes. The differentiation of keratinocyte stem cells into mature keratinocytes is crucial for skin integrity and health. Specifically, mature keratinocytes give rise to the stratum corneum, the outermost barrier layer of the skin. Throughout this process, keratinocytes produce several types of keratin—structural proteins that contribute to the mechanical resistance and elasticity of the skin. Anomalies in this procedure might lead to a variety of skin disorders, such as psoriasis and skin cancer, highlighting the critical role of keratinocyte stem cells in skin homeostasis. In addition to their role in skin homeostasis and wound healing, recent research suggests that keratinocyte stem cells have potential in regenerative medicine, specifically in the treatment of skin injuries and diseases. (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.) A stem cell found in the basal layer of the epidermis, hair follicle, and sebaceous gland, characterised by its quiescent nature, high proliferative potential, and capacity for long-term self-renewal. This cell maintains epidermal homeostasis by producing transit-amplifying cells that differentiate to replenish the stratified squamous epithelium. KSC progenitor cell epidermal stem cell homeostasis Homo sapiens