Cutaneous proteins

Cutaneous proteins is a collective term referring to the diverse set of proteins found within the layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. This group includes essential structural proteins such as keratins, which provide the primary mechanical barrier in the epidermis, and collagen and elastin, which maintain the tensile strength and elasticity of the dermis (UniProt, 2024; PubMed, 2023). Beyond structural roles, cutaneous proteins encompass functional entities such as matrix metalloproteinases, heat shock proteins (e.g., HSP70), and various signaling molecules that regulate skin immunity and repair (Slominski et al., 2000). These proteins are critical in the pathogenesis of numerous conditions; for instance, atopic dermatitis is frequently linked to filaggrin deficiency, while psoriasis is characterized by aberrant keratinocyte protein expression (NIH, 2024). Additionally, the degradation and glycation of dermal proteins like collagen are primary drivers of intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging (MDPI, 2023). In pharmacology, cutaneous proteins serve as therapeutic targets for agents like retinoids, which modulate the synthesis of keratins and collagen, and keratolytic agents, which target the structural integrity of the stratum corneum. They also act as unintentional targets for chemical haptens, which bind to these proteins to form immunogenic adducts that trigger allergic contact dermatitis (Brites et al., 2022). Because the term refers to a vast collection of distinct molecular entities rather than a single molecule, it is classified as a broad biological category rather than a specific therapeutic target.

Other names

Skin proteinsEpidermal proteinsDermal proteinsIntegumentary proteins

Modulation of protein expression through nuclear receptor binding, enzymatic degradation of extracellular matrix components, or chemical modification of structural residues.