Skin Barrier Function Proteins

Skin barrier function proteins are a group of structural and regulatory proteins essential for maintaining the integrity, hydration, and protective functions of the skin’s outermost layer—the stratum corneum (SC). These proteins work in concert with lipids to form a physical, chemical, immunological, and microbiological barrier that prevents water loss (transepidermal water loss or TEWL) and protects against environmental insults such as pathogens, toxins, allergens, UV radiation, and mechanical injury. Key proteins include Filaggrin, Involucrin, Loricrin, Keratins 1 & 10, Desmoglein 1 & Desmocollin 1, and Corneodesmosin. Disruption or mutation in these key genes/proteins leads to compromised barrier function seen in conditions such as atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris, SAM syndrome, or peeling skin disease.

Other names

Stratum Corneum ProteinsEpidermal Barrier ProteinsCornified Envelope Proteins