Search

for
Search:

GlossaryNail Matrix

tissue under the nail base that produces nail cells

The nail matrix, also known as the matrix unguis or matrix of the nail, is the tissue located under the base of the nail, beneath the cuticle. It is responsible for producing the cells that become the nail plate, and its health and function are crucial for proper nail growth and formation. Damage to the nail matrix can result in permanent changes to the nail.

Related Terms

Sort by

Research

30 / 1000+ results

research Patterns of expression of trichocytic and epithelial cytokeratins in mammalian tissues II. Concomitant and mutually exclusive synthesis of trichocytic and epithelial cytokeratins in diverse human and bovine tissues (hair follicle, nail bed and matrix, lingual papilla, thymic reticulum)

187 citations , May 1988 in “Differentiation”

Trichocytic cytokeratins are found in hair, nails, tongue, and thymus cells, showing complex regulation in tissue development.

research Immunology of the Human Nail Apparatus: The Nail Matrix Is a Site of Relative Immune Privilege

139 citations , October 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

The nail matrix has a reduced immune response, protecting it from autoimmunity.

research Induction of Hard Keratin Expression in Non-Nail-Matrical Keratinocytes by Nail-Matrical Fibroblasts through Epithelial-Mesenchymal Interactions

25 citations , January 2003 in “Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery”

Nail-matrical fibroblasts can make non-nail cells produce hard keratin, useful for nail repair.

research Nail Matrix Pathology in Cronkhite–Canada Syndrome: The First Case Report

8 citations , April 2017 in “American Journal of Dermatopathology”

Inflammation may cause nail issues in Cronkhite–Canada Syndrome.

research Expression of hair keratins in the adult nail unit: an immunohistochemical analysis of the onychogenesis in the proximal nail fold, matrix and nail bed

110 citations , August 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

The ventral matrix is the main source of the nail plate.

research A mutation in the hair matrix and cuticle keratin KRTHB5 gene causes ectodermal dysplasia of hair and nail type

60 citations , March 2006 in “Journal of Medical Genetics”

A mutation in the KRTHB5 gene causes hair and nail issues.

research Keratin expression in the normal nail unit: markers of regional differentiation

119 citations , January 2000 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Different parts of the nail express different keratins, showing unique patterns of differentiation.

research The Nude Mutant Gene Foxn1 Is a HOXC13 Regulatory Target during Hair Follicle and Nail Differentiation

68 citations , December 2010 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

HOXC13 is essential for hair and nail development by regulating Foxn1.

research Colocalization of Cystatin M/E and its Target Proteases Suggests a Role in Terminal Differentiation of Human Hair Follicle and Nail

22 citations , November 2008 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Cystatin M/E helps in the final stages of hair and nail formation by controlling certain enzymes.

Comparative Spatial Transcriptomic and Single-Cell Analyses of Human Nail Units and Hair Follicles Show Transcriptional Similarities between the Onychodermis and Follicular Dermal Papilla

research Comparative Spatial Transcriptomic and Single-Cell Analyses of Human Nail Units and Hair Follicles Show Transcriptional Similarities between the Onychodermis and Follicular Dermal Papilla

10 citations , July 2022 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Human nails and hair follicles have similar gene activity, especially in the cells that contribute to their growth and development.

research Sterile matrix grafting for onycholysis in the setting of valproic acid use

4 citations , October 2015 in “JAAD Case Reports”

Surgical grafting may fix nail issues caused by valproic acid.

research Scarring alopecia and nail loss in a patient with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita

1 citations , April 2024 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

Untreated epidermolysis bullosa acquisita can cause total hair and nail loss.

research Nail Changes in Chilblains Mimicking Lichen Planus

1 citations , January 2018 in “Journal of clinical & experimental dermatology research”

Some nail changes in chilblains can look like lichen planus and may be severe and long-lasting.

research Minoxidil Beyond Hair: A Comprehensive Review of Its Effects on Nail Growth

February 2026 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

Minoxidil may help nails grow faster and stronger.

research 0447 Minoxidil for onychodystrophy: Can this hair loss remedy be a nail growth remedy?

July 2025 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil may improve nail growth and appearance.

research Topical minoxidil for nail growth: A conventional medication with a novel indication

September 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Minoxidil, a hair loss treatment, may help nails grow faster.

research Nail lichen planus in a patient with alopecia totalis

January 2015 in “Dermatology online journal”

A man with total hair loss also developed a rare nail condition, likely due to autoimmune issues.

research Inflammatory and non-melanocytic tumoral pathology of the nail

January 2014 in “Pathology”

The document concludes that understanding nail anatomy is key for diagnosing nail diseases, early signs of nail melanoma may allow for less aggressive treatment, and specific genetic mutations are important in thyroid cancer prognosis and treatment.

research Acquired Localized Longitudinal Pachyonychia and Onychomatrical Tumors: A Comparative Study to Onychomatricomas (5 Cases) and Onychocytic Matricomas (4 Cases)

18 citations , April 2016 in “American Journal of Dermatopathology”

Larger nail cavity sizes suggest benign tumors, while smaller ones may need further biopsy to rule out cancer.

research Patterns of expression of trichocytic and epithelial cytokeratins in mammalian tissues

124 citations , December 1988 in “Differentiation”

Trichocytic differentiation starts in cells with epithelial cytokeratins, transitioning to trichocytic cytokeratins in hair and gradually in nails.

research FOXN1 Is Critical for Onycholemmal Terminal Differentiation in Nude (Foxn1nu) Mice

58 citations , November 2004 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

The Foxn1 gene is essential for normal nail and hair development.

research The Localization of Label-Retaining Cells in Mouse Nails

22 citations , October 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Stem cells in mouse nails are found in the nail matrix and may control nail growth.

research Possible Carbamazepine-Induced Reversible Onychomadesis

13 citations , September 1989 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Carbamazepine may cause reversible nail detachment.

Unilateral Beau's Lines Associated with a Fingertip Crushing Injury

research Unilateral Beau's Lines Associatd with a Fingertip Crushing Injury

11 citations , November 2005 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

A man's crushed thumb caused unusual horizontal nail ridges on all fingers of one hand.

research Transglutaminase Activity Is Conserved in Stratified Epithelia and Skin Appendages of Mammals and Birds

8 citations , January 2023 in “International journal of molecular sciences”

Transglutaminase activity is important for skin and is found in both mammals and birds.

research Expression patterns of hair-related keratins and epithelial keratins in onychopapilloma: The significance of clarifying the origin of onychopapilloma

3 citations , November 2022 in “Frontiers in Medicine”

Onychopapilloma likely originates from the nail bed, not the nail matrix.

The Features of Onychomatricomas on In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy

research The features of onychomatrimas on in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy

March 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Reflectance confocal microscopy can noninvasively diagnose onychomatricoma by showing unique features different from healthy nails or nail fungus.

research Valproic acid monotherapy induced longitudinal melanonychia

November 2022 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology/Indian journal of dermatology”

Valproic acid can cause dark lines on nails.

research Nailing It

6 citations , February 2015 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

The document concludes that a new training model could improve dermatology residents' skills in nail procedures and lead to more nail cases being treated by dermatologists.

research Trichothiodystrophy

175 citations , December 1980 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Trichothiodystrophy is a condition with brittle hair and various physical and mental issues due to low sulfur in proteins.