The location of an essential ceramide for skin barrier function within the long periodicity phase

The body is protected from the external environment by the stratum corneum (SC) layer of the skin. It is believed that the lamellar lipid matrix, which encases the corneocytes, is an important component of the skin barrier by providing the only continuous pathway through the SC. Many skin diseases are linked to alterations in the lipid matrix composition and structure, and thus compromising this barrier. During this experiment we aim to determine the position of ceramide (CER) NP (shown to exhibit greater barrier properties compared to other CER subclasses), alongside CER NS (a well studied CER), within the LPP. The recognition of the position of CER NP will enable us to identify why its role in the skin barrier function is important, as compared to other CERs, once itself and its neighbouring lipids location within the LPP are determined.