Late cornified envelope protein 5A (LCE5A)

Late cornified envelope protein 5A (LCE5A) is a structural protein encoded by the LCE5A gene, located in the epidermal differentiation complex on human chromosome 1. LCE5A is grouped with other late cornified envelope (LCE) proteins, which contribute to the formation and maturation of the cornified envelope, a key component of the skin’s protective barrier. Expression of LCE5A, like other LEP cluster proteins, increases late in terminal differentiation of keratinocytes, after other major structural components such as loricrin. LCE5A is predicted to play roles in keratinization and skin barrier integrity. The protein responds to environmental signals, such as calcium and ultraviolet irradiation, which may affect skin adaptation and function. There is no evidence LCE5A acts as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, nor is it currently considered a drug target or biomarker. While mutations and copy number changes are observed in population datasets, no definitive disease associations or safety concerns have been described.

Other names

LEP18SPRL5Alate envelope protein 18small proline-rich-like epidermal differentiation complex protein 5Asmall proline-rich-like (epidermal differentiation complex) 5Alate cornified envelope protein 5A