The role of fatty acid desaturases in epidermal metabolism

The lipid composition of skin is important to a variety of functions served by this organ. Therefore, skin expresses multiple enzymes that synthesize and metabolize lipids. An important class of lipid metabolism enzymes expressed in skin is the lipid desaturases. Various isoforms of stearoyl-CoA desaturase, a delta-9 desaturase, as well as a delta-6 desaturase alter the lipid composition of the skin, thereby affecting skin barrier homeostasis and consequently, whole body energy balance. This review will focus on the role of fatty acid desaturases in maintaining epidermal metabolism.