Identification of the Novel Membrane-Associated Protein AgK114 on Hamster Keratinocytes Recognized by a Monoclonal Antibody K114

The study identified a novel membrane-associated protein, AgK114, on hamster keratinocytes, recognized by a monoclonal antibody K114. AgK114 was expressed in dermal sheath cells near the hair follicle bulge and differentiated sebocytes in hamster skin. In vitro, keratinocytes showed strong, transient expression of AgK114, despite low levels in freshly prepared cells. The protein, consisting of 242 amino acids, featured a signal peptide, N-glycosylation sites, a threonine-rich domain, and a potential GPI anchoring site. AgK114 expression was enhanced in vivo during skin tissue damage, UV exposure, and tissue regeneration, suggesting its role in injury recovery.