Understanding the effect of Ceramide NP concentration on the skin’s long periodicity phase – relevant for atopic eczema studies

The skin’s barrier function is maintained by its superficial layer, known as the stratum corneum (SC). The SC consists of impermeable corneocytes coated by an intercellular lipid matrix. It is this lipid matrix that provides the only continuous pathway through the SC, and is considered the main system for the barrier function. Skin diseases, such as atopic eczema and psoriatic scales, demonstrate a compromised skin barrier, and lipid compositional differences compared to healthy skin such as a reduction hydroxyl rich ceramide (CER NP) concentration, which is often replenished with CERs with fewer hydroxyl groups. We aim to determine how the LPP structure adjusts with altered concentrations of CER NP, to mimic what is seen in diseased skin. Identifying how the structure changes with NP concentration will assist us to identify the importance of NP for lipid matrix function.