Published in Science, the study found that the proteins NEDD8 and SUMO2 act as a molecular “seesaw”, determining whether skin stem cells remain in a regenerative state or differentiate into mature skin cells. While NEDD8 promoted stem cell maintenance, SUMO2 drove cell differentiation, with both proteins shown to be essential for healthy skin architecture. 

In laboratory models, manipulating these pathways altered wound healing, inflammation and skin regeneration. The researchers believe that selectively targeting NEDD8 or SUMO2 with topical therapies could provide new approaches for treating chronic wounds, inflammatory skin disorders and potentially skin cancer, although further research is needed before clinical application.