Late cornified envelope protein 3D (LCE3D)

Late cornified envelope protein 3D (LCE3D) is a structural protein contributing to the formation of the cornified envelope in the stratum corneum during terminal differentiation of keratinocytes in the epidermis. It is encoded by the LCE3D gene, part of a gene cluster on chromosome 1, and is mainly expressed in skin and certain other epithelial tissues. LCE3D plays a critical role in skin barrier function and keratinization; its dysregulation or deletion has been associated with skin diseases such as psoriasis. The protein acts as a precursor incorporated into the cornified envelope, providing structural integrity to differentiated epithelial cells. Note: LCE3D is not a classic therapeutic target such as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or transcription factor. It is studied primarily as a marker of keratinocyte differentiation and barrier function, with relevance as a gene associated with susceptibility to certain dermatological diseases rather than as a direct pharmacological target.

Other names

Late envelope protein 16Small proline-rich-like epidermal differentiation complex protein 6ASmall proline-rich-like epidermal differentiation complex protein 6BLEP16SPRL6ASPRL6B