Figure 7.

Schematic model of miR-944 biogenesis and function. At the basal layer, ΔNp63 maintains the proliferation of keratinocytes. Moreover, highly active ERK signaling also play a role in proliferation. However, at the spinous layer, ΔNp63 expression is reduced. ΔNp63-induced miR-944 induces cell differentiation. miR-944 functions to reduce ERK signaling and to upregulate p53 expression. These models could explain how ΔNp63 functions in inducing differentiation despite its capacity to maintain proliferation.