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Review
. 2015 Jan-Apr;19(1):64-8.
doi: 10.4103/0973-029X.157204.

Loricrin - an overview

S Nithya  1 , T Radhika  1 , Nadeem Jeddy  1
Affiliations
Review

Loricrin - an overview

S Nithya et al. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2015 Jan-Apr.

Abstract

Loricrin is a terminally differentiating structural protein comprising more than 70% of the cornified envelope. It contributes to the protective barrier function of the stratum corneum. In vivo, loricrin is expressed inall mammalian stratified epithelia with the highest levels of expression in humid tissues such as newborn epidermis, the epithelia of oral and anal mucosa, esophagus, foreskin, vagina and the epidermal parts of sweat ducts. Loricrin is not expressed in non keratinizing epithelia and its expression at these sites actually represents a defensive or protective mechanismof the body. An insight into this protein- "Loricrin" can shed light to its potential as a marker in the early stages of potentially malignant disorders like oral sub mucous fibrosis and leukoplakia. This compilation has been done by taking into account the existing literature, reviews and original studies on loricrin, a major component of the cornifiedcell envelope, its structure and the alterations that result due to its absence or presence of both the epidermis and the oral mucosa.

Keywords: Cornified cell envelope; loricrin; loricrin keratoderma; oral sub mucous fibrosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) The histopathological image shows Hyperkeratosis of the human foreskin (H&E stain, x40); (Courtesy: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai). (b) Hyperkeratosis without epithelial dysplasia showing loricrin positivity in the stratum granulosum of Human foreskin (IHC stain, x10); (Courtesy: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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