New Insights into Skin Renewal: IL-38 Protein's Role Unveiled

Researchers discover how oxidative stress influences IL-38 protein condensation, offering potential alternatives to animal models for skin studies.

The University of Geneva team found IL-38 forms condensates in keratinocytes, increasing near the skin's surface where oxygen levels are higher.
IL-38's behavior in keratinocytes suggests a link to programmed cell death, crucial for epidermal renewal.
Oxidative stress, caused by oxygen exposure, triggers IL-38 condensation, indicating keratinocytes' readiness for cell death.
This discovery could lead to better understanding of skin diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
A new experimental model is being developed to study oxidative stress effects without relying on animal models.