The two main proteins found in the epidermis are keratin and filaggrin. Keratin is the primary structural protein, forming the tough, protective outer layer of the skin. Filaggrin is a protein that binds to keratin filaments, helping to organize and strengthen the cells within the epidermis.
- Keratin: This fibrous protein is the key component of skin, hair, and nails. It provides strength, flexibility, and protection to the epidermis. [Keratin, the basic constituent protein of the skin and its appendages, is arranged in the form of keratin filament bundles. Filaggrin is one of the major intermediate filament-associated proteins that interact with keratin filaments in the skin.]
- Filaggrin: This protein plays a crucial role in the formation of the skin's barrier function. It helps to bind keratin filaments together and compact the cells of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. [Biosynthetic pathways of filaggrin and loricrin--two major proteins expressed by terminally differentiated epidermal keratinocytes. Steven AC, Bisher ME, Roop ...]
