Keratin and keratinocyte adhesion structures

The stratum corneum (SC) is the outermost layer of the skin, serving as the body's primary physical and chemical barrier. It consists of corneocytes—terminally differentiated keratinocytes—that are filled with a dense matrix of keratin intermediate filaments, primarily Keratin 1 and Keratin 10 (StatPearls, 2023). These cells are held together by specialized adhesion structures known as corneodesmosomes, which contain key proteins such as corneodesmosin, desmoglein 1, and desmocollin 1 (PubMed, 2012). In healthy skin, the process of desquamation is regulated by the enzymatic cleavage of these adhesion structures, allowing for the shedding of old cells. Dysregulation of these structural components is a hallmark of various dermatological conditions, including psoriasis, ichthyosis, and atopic dermatitis, where abnormal keratinization or impaired adhesion leads to barrier dysfunction. Therapeutic strategies often target these structures using keratolytics like salicylic acid and urea, which disrupt the protein matrix and intercellular bonds to promote exfoliation and improve skin texture (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017). Additionally, retinoids and vitamin D analogs are used to modulate the differentiation process that forms these keratinized structures.

Other names

CorneodesmosomesKeratin filamentsStratum corneum adhesion complexEpidermal barrier structures

Keratolysis via dissolution of intercellular cement, disruption of keratin hydrogen bonds, and promotion of corneodesmosome degradation by increasing the activity of endogenous proteases or directly solubilizing structural proteins.