THE PANCORNULINS - A GROUP OF BASIC LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT PROTEINS IN MAMMALIAN EPIDERMIS AND EPITHELIUM THAT MAY FUNCTION AS CORNIFIED ENVELOPE PRECURSORS

1. 1. A monoclonal antibody (HCE-2) to human epidermal and epithelial cornified envelopes identified a group of soluble basic protein precursors. 2. 2. Using HCE-2, envelope-like staining was observed in the epidermis and stratified squamous epithelium of a number of mammalian species. 3. 3. Basic polypeptides reactive to HCE-2 varied in size and number among the different animals. 4. 4. In those species studied, HCE-2-reactive peptides were substrates for transglutaminase and protease treatment of cornified envelopes released HCE-2-reactive degradation products. 5. 5. These results suggest a new family of proteins in mammalian epidermis that may function as cornified envelope precursors. © 1990.