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Age‐related changes in the composition of the cornified envelope in human skin
Author(s) -
Rinnerthaler Mark,
Duschl Jutta,
Steinbacher Peter,
Salzmann Manuel,
Bischof Johannes,
Schuller Markus,
Wimmer Herbert,
Peer Thomas,
Bauer Johann W.,
Richter Klaus
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/exd.12135
Subject(s) - loricrin , filaggrin , stratum granulosum , epidermis (zoology) , ageing , barrier function , microbiology and biotechnology , human skin , calcium , biology , dermatology , chemistry , stratum corneum , immunology , involucrin , anatomy , biochemistry , keratinocyte , medicine , genetics , atopic dermatitis , in vitro
The main function of the epidermis is to protect us against a multitude of hostile attacks from the environment. Its main cell type, the keratinocytes have a sophisticated system of different proteins and lipids available to form the cornified envelope, which is responsible for the barrier function of the skin. During ageing, dramatic changes are taking place. Some proteins of the SPRR ‐, S100‐ and LCE 3‐family are massively up‐regulated, whereas others like loricrin, filaggrin and the LCE 1&2 protein families are significantly down‐regulated. The latter ones are known to be under control of calcium and/or ‘calcium response elements’. We were able to show that the calcium peak specific for the stratum granulosum , which is the site where loricrin and the LCE 1&2 families are synthesized, is reduced during ageing. The resulting cornified envelope in old skin has an extensively changed composition on the molecular level compared to young skin. This knowledge is of critical importance to understand chronic wound formation and ulcers in old age.