Post-Transcriptional Mechanisms Regulating Epidermal Stem and Progenitor Cell Self-Renewal and Differentiation

Epidermal stem and progenitor cells exist within the basal layer of the epidermis and serve to replenish the loss of differentiated cells because of normal turnover or injury. Current efforts have focused on elucidating the transcriptional regulation of epidermal stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. However, recent studies have pointed to an emerging and prominent role for post-transcriptional regulation of epidermal cell fate decisions. In this review, we will focus on post-transcriptional mechanisms including noncoding RNAs, RNA binding proteins, and mRNA decay-mediated control of epidermal stem and progenitor cell function in the skin.