Compositions for antagonizing phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) in epidermal cells are disclosed. GSK3β phosphorylation antagonists include molecules that function to inhibit or reduce the binding activity or enzymatic activity of an upstream signaling molecule leading to GSK3β phosphorylation, or by downregulating the expression of one or more upstream signaling molecules involved in regulating GSK3β phosphorylation. Methods of using the GSK3β phosphorylation antagonists to inhibit or reduce the phosphorylation and degradation of GSK3β in epidermal cells are provided. The methods are useful to promote epithelialization and closure of wounds, such as chronic non-healing wounds.
