Latest research has unearthed a specific gene called protein p63 that is responsible for skin health. It has been found that this gene mutates irregularly to cause a number of problems of the skin that range from dangerous carcinomas to upper layer problems such as bleeding, cracking, discoloration and infection. The mutation causes irregular formations on the epidermal layer, which causes such irregularities. The research was carried out by the University of Boston, University of Bradford and the US department of Energy Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The research showed that p63 gene directly caused irregularities in the functioning of Satb1 gene. The Satb1 acts as the genome organizer in the body. Its function is to monitor and control the functioning of progenitor cells. This is brought about by chromatic remodeling.

As the embryo grows, p63 regulates the development of epidermal layer. It controls the timing and expression of other sets of genes that take care of important functions such as differentiation and cell growth. Although science has unearthed the functions of p63, the manner in which it works remains unknown. The latest research has shown that the manner of working of p63 could depend on the gene Satb1. This gene plays a very important role in the body with regard to fixing the chromosomes in a precise manner that leads to good skin health. The gene performs highly comprehensive functions which includes using more proteins and programming the chromosomes to work in a disciplined and precise manner. When p63 malfunctions, all these activities in the skin are directly affected since Sitb1 is affected and hence skin health deteriorates, causing cancers and other skin diseases.

Another reason why p63 causes diseases is because Sitb1 also enhances the immune system of the body that helps in fighting cancer cells. Impacting the gene negatively can cause a reduction in immunity and lead to cancer of the epidermal layer. Experiments were conducted on mice. It was known that the mice which were not high in p63 gene did not have good skin health. The skin developed slowly, quality was poorer and the skin was thinner. The biggest success of the research was the discovery of p63 gene and the fact that p63 had the power to manipulate Satb1. The full reports of the study have been published in the Journal of Cell Biology. This research will open up  a lot of avenues for further studies on the subject and offer better insights into cancers and other diseases of the skin.