The long non-coding RNA LINC00941 and SPRR5 are novel regulators of human epidermal homeostasis

Several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as regulators of cellular homeostasis; however, few of these molecules were functionally characterized in a mature human tissue environment. Here, we report that the lncRNA LINC00941 is a crucial regulator of human epidermal homeostasis. LINC00941 is enriched in progenitor keratinocytes and acts as a repressor of keratinocyte differentiation. Furthermore, LINC00941 represses SPRR5, a previously uncharacterized molecule, which functions as an essential positive regulator of keratinocyte differentiation. Interestingly, 54.8% of genes repressed in SPRR5 deficient epidermal tissue are induced in LINC00941 depleted organotypic epidermis, suggesting a common mode of action for both molecules. Investigating the impact of LINC00941 (on day 2 and day 3 of differentiation) or SPRR5 (on day 3 and day 4 of differentiation) depletion on the keratinocyte differentiation status in organotypic epidermal tissue cultures by high throughput sequencing.