Cornified envelope formation

Cornified envelope formation is a *biological process* crucial for skin barrier development and integrity, rather than a specific molecular target, receptor, or enzyme. During terminal differentiation of keratinocytes in the upper epidermis, a **cornified cell envelope** (CE) forms beneath the plasma membrane. This structure involves crosslinking of various proteins—such as involucrin, loricrin, envoplakin, periplakin, and small proline-rich proteins—by transglutaminases to yield a tough, insoluble, and highly ordered protein layer. Subsequently, a layer of covalently attached lipids externally coats this scaffold, forming a water-impermeable barrier essential for skin protection against environmental stress and dehydration. Dysfunction or genetic mutations in the formation of the cornified envelope are linked to skin disorders, particularly certain inherited keratodermas[1][2][3][4][5][6]. **Note: "Cornified envelope formation" is a process, not a molecular target or druggable entity.**

Other names

Cornified cell envelope formationCornified envelope assembly