Skin disease modeling from a mathematical perspective.

Mathematical modeling is a promising approach to reveal disease-related regulatory mechanisms. This article gives an overview of how mathematical modeling can increase our understanding of skin disease, addressing both its benefits and challenges. We discuss the importance of strong links among experiments, mathematical modeling, and data analysis in order to effectively use the modeling approach to advance skin research in the postgenomic era. Investigative dermatologists are needed to drive and orient this cross-disciplinary research to address fundamental problems in skin biology and disease.