For a prime ring R and σ ∊ Aut(R), we determine the group of Rstabilizing automorphisms of the skew polynomial ring R[x; σ]. In the case where R is simple, we characterize the X-inner automorphisms of R[x; σ]. We also provide necessary and sufficient conditions for a σ -commuting derivation of a prime ring R to extend to a derivation of R[x; σ].