From frog integument to human skin: dermatological perspectives from frog skin biology

ABSTRACT For over a century, frogs have been studied across various scientific fields, including physiology, embryology, neuroscience, (neuro)endocrinology, ecology, genetics, behavioural science, evolution, drug development, and conservation biology. In some cases, frog skin has proven very success...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 2014-08, Vol.89 (3), p.618-655
Main Authors: Haslam, Iain S., Roubos, Eric W., Mangoni, Maria Luisa, Yoshizato, Katsutoshi, Vaudry, Hubert, Kloepper, Jennifer E., Pattwell, David M., Maderson, Paul F. A., Paus, Ralf
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amphibia
Animals
Antimicrobial agents
antimicrobial peptides
Anura
Anura - physiology
barrier
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Frogs
Humans
neuroendocrinology
osmoregulation
Peptides
pigmentation
secretion
Skin Physiological Phenomena
skin structure and function
Wound healing
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Summary:ABSTRACT For over a century, frogs have been studied across various scientific fields, including physiology, embryology, neuroscience, (neuro)endocrinology, ecology, genetics, behavioural science, evolution, drug development, and conservation biology. In some cases, frog skin has proven very successful as a research model, for example aiding in the study of ion transport through tight epithelia, where it has served as a model for the vertebrate distal renal tubule and mammalian epithelia. However, it has rarely been considered in comparative studies involving human skin. Yet, despite certain notable adaptations that have enabled frogs to survive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, frog skin has many features in common with human skin. Here we present a comprehensive overview of frog (and toad) skin ontogeny, anatomy, cytology, neuroendocrinology and immunology, with special attention to its unique adaptations as well as to its similarities with the mammalian integument, including human skin. We hope to provide a valuable reference point and a source of inspiration for both amphibian investigators and mammalian researchers studying the structural and functional properties of the largest organ of the vertebrate body.
ISSN:1464-7931
1469-185X
DOI:10.1111/brv.12072