p63 in corneal and epidermal differentiation

The transcription factor p63, belonging to the p53 family, is considered the master regulator of epidermal differentiation, skin, and in general of the differentiation of ectodermal tissues. Mutations in TP63 gene cause several rare ectodermal dysplasia disorders that refers to epidermal structural abnormalities and ocular surface disease, such as Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia Clefting (EEC) syndrome. In this review, we discuss the key roles of p63 in keratinocytes and corneal epithelial differentiation, highlighting the function of the ΔNp63α isoform in driving limbal stem cell and epithelial stem cells commitment. We have summarized the specific ocular phenotypes observed in the TP63-mutation derived EEC syndrome, discussing the current and novel therapeutic strategies for the management of the ocular manifestations in EEC syndrome. • The transcription factor p63, master regulator of epidermal differentiation, is fundamental in the development of the cornea. • TP63 mutations give rise to a few rare ectodermal dysplasia disorders, being the two major subtypes EEC and AEC. • Mutant p63 can be considered a promising target for the clinical management of ectodermal dysplasia disorders.