Loricrin is a major keratinocyte cell envelope protein []. The cornified cell envelope is a structure that replaces the plasma membrane during keratinocyte terminal differentiation. Loricrin acts as an important epidermal barrier, comprising 70% of the total protein mass of the cornified layer. Expression of Loricrin is regulated by TNF-alpha via a c-Jun N-terminal kinase-dependent pathway []. Loricrin mutations cause the Vohwinkel syndrome []and other congenital skin abnormalities collectively termed as loricrin keratoderma [].
