Stratum corneum intercellular adhesion proteins

The main intercellular adhesion proteins in the stratum corneum are structural elements that maintain the cohesion and integrity of the skin barrier. Key proteins include Desmoglein 1 (DSG1) and Desmocollin 1 (DSC1), both members of the cadherin superfamily, which form the core molecules of corneodesmosomes—specialized adhesive junctions that bind corneocytes together[1][2][4]. Corneodesmosin (CDSN) is another crucial component, secreted by upper epidermal keratinocytes, that reinforces the adhesive structure. The orderly degradation of these complexes by proteases governs the normal shedding (desquamation) of corneocytes and the maintenance of skin barrier homeostasis. Abnormalities in these proteins or their regulated proteolysis can underlie human skin diseases linked to barrier dysfunction and inflammation[1][2][4].

Other names

Stratum corneum junction proteinsCorneodesmosomal proteinsIntercellular adhesion molecules of stratum corneum

Not applicable (no approved drugs directly targeting these proteins)