Late cornified envelope protein 4A (LCE4A)

Late cornified envelope protein 4A (LCE4A) is a protein primarily expressed in the skin, classified among the late cornified envelope (LCE) family of proteins involved in the terminal differentiation of keratinocytes and the formation of the skin barrier. It acts as a precursor of the cornified envelope, a structure assembled in the late steps of epidermal differentiation, replacing the plasma membrane of granular keratinocytes during cornification[1][3][5][7]. LCE4A enables identical protein binding activity and is predicted to be involved in keratinization, contributing to the mechanical strength and protective function of the epidermis[1][4][7]. Defects or variants in the LCE4A gene have been associated with skin barrier disorders such as candidal paronychia and syndromic ectodermal dysplasia, but there is no evidence that LCE4A itself is a direct drug target or that it interacts with known pharmacological agents[1][7].

Other names

Late envelope protein 8LEP8SPRL4Asmall proline-rich-like epidermal differentiation complex protein 4Asmall proline-rich-like (epidermal differentiation complex) 4Alate envelope protein 8