Psoriasis genetics: breaking the barrier

Psoriasis is a common incurable inflammatory skin disease affecting 2–3% of the European population. Psoriatic skin contains large numbers of immune cells which produce many cytokines, chemokines and inflammatory molecules. The epidermis divides much faster than normal and has a defective outer laye...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in genetics 2010-09, Vol.26 (9), p.415-423
Main Authors: Roberson, Elisha D.O, Bowcock, Anne M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Autoimmune Diseases - genetics
Biological and medical sciences
Dermatology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Genetics of eukaryotes. Biological and molecular evolution
Genome-Wide Association Study
Histocompatibility Antigens Class I - genetics
Histocompatibility Antigens Class I - immunology
Humans
Medical Education
Medical sciences
Molecular and cellular biology
Psoriasis - genetics
Psoriasis - immunology
Psoriasis - pathology
Psoriasis. Parapsoriasis. Lichen
Risk Factors
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Summary:Psoriasis is a common incurable inflammatory skin disease affecting 2–3% of the European population. Psoriatic skin contains large numbers of immune cells which produce many cytokines, chemokines and inflammatory molecules. The epidermis divides much faster than normal and has a defective outer layer or barrier which under normal circumstances protects from infection and dehydration. Psoriatic skin is characterized by a distinct set of inflammation and epidermal proliferation and differentiation markers, and it has been unclear whether the genetic basis of psoriasis reflects defects of the immune system or of the skin. One genetic determinant lies within the major histocompatibility complex class 1 region. Genome-wide association studies have revealed genetic susceptibility factors that play a role in the formation of immune cells found in psoriasis lesions. Others affect epidermal proliferation and skin barrier formation. Hence, genetic components of both the immune system and the epidermis can predispose to disease.
ISSN:0168-9525
DOI:10.1016/j.tig.2010.06.006