Stratum corneum intercellular cohesion

Stratum corneum intercellular cohesion refers to the adhesion between corneocytes, the outermost skin cells, within the stratum corneum (the top layer of the epidermis). This cohesion is principally mediated by specialized adhesive structures called corneodesmosomes, which are composed of proteins such as corneodesmosin, desmoglein 1, and desmocollin 1[4][5][6]. These intercellular junctions ensure mechanical integrity of the skin barrier, allowing it to resist physical, chemical, and microbial insults and regulate the balance between cell shedding (desquamation) and retention[5][6][9]. Intercellular lipids (such as ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids) also contribute by forming the lamellar matrix that helps “cement” the corneocytes and mediates water impermeability[1][7]. Defects in stratum corneum cohesion are implicated in several skin diseases, notably those characterized by barrier dysfunction and excessive or impaired desquamation, such as atopic dermatitis, ichthyoses, or psoriasis[7][2][8]. Notes/clarification: - This entry does not correspond to a conventional molecular target such as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or channel. Instead, it describes a *biophysical property* regulated by multiple structural proteins and lipids in the skin[1][6][4]. The appropriate molecular targets involved in this process are components of corneodesmosomes and associated proteins or lipids, not "stratum corneum intercellular cohesion" itself. - For drug discovery or therapeutic targeting, relevant molecular entities would be, for example, *corneodesmosin*, *desmoglein 1*, specific epidermal proteases (e.g., kallikreins), or enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. Drugs or agents affecting skin barrier function may indirectly alter stratum corneum intercellular cohesion, but there are **no direct drugs targeting “stratum corneum intercellular cohesion” as a molecule or receptor**[7][2]. Summary for structured mapping: - "Stratum corneum intercellular cohesion" is not a discrete molecular entity, but a functional property resulting from multiple molecules and structures. It is thus **not a therapeutic target per se** and is an **incorrect entry** as a canonical drug target.

Other names

stratum corneum cohesioncorneocyte cohesionstratum corneum adhesive structures