C014: Structure and Function of the Skin: Development, Cell Biology, and Skin Structure

This session on the structure and function of the skin features five talks aimed at providing insights into the basic science and developmental biology of the skin. Led by Brian Sun from the University of California, Irvine, the session aims to be useful for residents and clinicians by emphasizing the clinical relevance of skin development. Sun discusses embryology, highlighting key stages like gastrulation, which leads to the formation of three germ layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. Each layer gives rise to different skin structures; for example, the ectoderm forms the epidermis and melanocytes, while the mesoderm develops the dermis. He also addresses the importance of understanding skin development for new therapies, tissue engineering, and stem cell biology. Throughout his talk, Sun introduces fundamental concepts such as signaling molecules, signal transduction, cell differentiation, and transcription factors that play critical roles in the development and function of the skin. Additionally, he discusses the dynamic interactions between the various skin layers and appendages during development, stressing that many structures, like hair and sweat glands, share similar developmental pathways but are influenced by different signaling molecules that determine their unique characteristics. Overall, Sun's presentation sets the groundwork for the subsequent discussions from other distinguished speakers in dermatology, enhancing understanding of skin biology.