Serine palmitoyltransferase(SPT) is an important enzyme in the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway.
In this pathway, the initial reaction that synthesizes the precursors, the basic structure of all sphingolipids, from a substrate is catalyzed by SPT.
PR-PCR stands for Proofreading Polymerase Chain Reaction and is a method to amplify the original DNA strand more accurately.
In addition to the general PCR method, DNA polymerase with this “proofreading” function can stop elongation when it connects an incorrect base, break down the incorrect base and then resume elongation. This function literally “proofreads” the DNA amplification process.
An organic acid is a general term for organic compounds that exhibit acidity.
Examples include citric acid, acetic acid, and malic acid.
Incidentally, acids obtained from chemical reactions of inorganic compounds are called inorganic acids.
Functional groups are specific atomic groups that determine the properties of organic compounds.
Compounds with the same functional group in their chemical structure share common chemical properties.
Examples include hydroxy, carboxy, and aldehyde groups.
Lichenification is a condition in which repeated inflammation over a long period of time results in thickening of the skin and deep wrinkles and furrows appear on the surface.
Scratch mark is the dried and hardened blood, fluid, or pus that has oozed out of blood vessels due to scratching. It is also commonly referred to as a scab.
Erythema refers to red patches caused by vasodilation in the superficial layers of the skin. It is reddish because of dilated and congested capillaries.
Dermoscopy is the examination of pigmented lesions on the skin, such as moles and tumors, using a lighted magnifying glass called a dermoscope.
It provides much more accurate information than that seen with the naked eye.
Filaggrin is a crucial structural protein in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. It is an essential protein for maintaining the morphology and function of keratinocytes in the barrier function of the stratum corneum. Dysfunction or deficiency of filaggrin is associated with the development of atopic dermatitis, and a lack of filaggrin can also cause dry skin.
Involucrin is a structural protein predominantly found in the epidermis of the skin. During the formation of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, it plays a role in strengthening the cell membrane and enhancing the skin’s protective functions.