Characterization of sciellin, a precursor to the cornified envelope of human keratinocytes
April 1992
in “
Differentiation
”
TLDR Sciellin is a protein that helps form protective layers in skin, hair, and nails.
This study characterized a new protein precursor, named Sciellin, involved in the formation of the cornified envelope in human keratinocytes. Sciellin was identified using a monoclonal antibody that stained differentiated cells in the epidermis and other stratified squamous epithelia, including hair and nails. The protein, with a relative mobility of 82,000 and pI 7.8, was a substrate for transglutaminase and exhibited unique solubility properties, suggesting it aggregated with itself or keratin filaments. The study highlighted Sciellin's potential role in cornified envelope assembly, with its epitope conserved among mammals and localized to specific regions in the epidermis and hair follicle.
