Extrachromosomal replication sustains inflammatory memory

Skin may stay primed for repeat inflammation after healing. It asks if copied genetic material outside chromosomes keeps memory alive. Basal keratinocytes, renewing epidermal cells, may retain extrachromosomal circular DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid loops separate from chromosomes. Their copying could prolong inflammatory mediators, immune signals, and stimulate fibroblasts, connective-tissue-building cells in the dermis. The test would replace macrophages, immune cells that clear debris, and remove dead-cell remnants. A lasting response plus newly copied loops would favour this explanation. Debris clearance ending the response while epidermal DNA remains unchanged would favour its rival. Testing must preserve inflammation, tissue strength and removal of altered cells.