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Normal Function
The LORICRIN gene is part of a cluster of genes on chromosome 1 called the epidermal differentiation complex. These genes are involved in the formation and maintenance of the outer layer of skin (the epidermis), particularly its tough outer surface (the stratum corneum). The stratum corneum, which is formed in a process known as cornification, provides a sturdy barrier between the body and its environment. Each cell of the stratum corneum, called a corneocyte, is surrounded by a protein shell called a cornified envelope.
The LORICRIN gene provides instructions for making a protein called loricrin, which is a major component of the cornified envelope. Links between loricrin and other components of the envelopes hold the corneocytes together and help give the stratum corneum its strength.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Vohwinkel syndrome
At least two mutations in the LORICRIN gene have been identified in people with the variant form of Vohwinkel syndrome, sometimes called loricrin keratoderma. This disorder is characterized by skin abnormalities including widespread dry, scaly skin (ichthyosis), especially on the limbs. The mutations that cause the variant form of Vohwinkel syndrome change the structure of the loricrin protein; the altered protein is trapped inside the cell and cannot reach the cornified envelope. While other proteins can partially compensate for the missing loricrin, the envelope of some of the corneocytes is thinner than normal, resulting in the dry, scaly skin (ichthyosis) and other skin abnormalities associated with the variant form of Vohwinkel syndrome.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- LOR
- LORI_HUMAN
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Drera B, Tadini G, Balbo F, Marchese L, Barlati S, Colombi M. De novo occurrence of the 730insG recurrent mutation in an Italian family with the ichthyotic variant of Vohwinkel syndrome, loricrin keratoderma. Clin Genet. 2008 Jan;73(1):85-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2007.00914.x. Epub 2007 Oct 22. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
- Elias PM, Williams ML, Crumrine D, Schmuth M. Inherited disorders of corneocyte proteins. Curr Probl Dermatol. 2010;39:98-131. doi: 10.1159/000321086. Epub 2010 Sep 14. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
- Gedicke MM, Traupe H, Fischer B, Tinschert S, Hennies HC. Towards characterization of palmoplantar keratoderma caused by gain-of-function mutation in loricrin: analysis of a family and review of the literature. Br J Dermatol. 2006 Jan;154(1):167-71. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.06995.x. Citation on PubMed
- Henry J, Toulza E, Hsu CY, Pellerin L, Balica S, Mazereeuw-Hautier J, Paul C, Serre G, Jonca N, Simon M. Update on the epidermal differentiation complex. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2012 Jan 1;17(4):1517-32. doi: 10.2741/4001. Citation on PubMed
- Maestrini E, Monaco AP, McGrath JA, Ishida-Yamamoto A, Camisa C, Hovnanian A, Weeks DE, Lathrop M, Uitto J, Christiano AM. A molecular defect in loricrin, the major component of the cornified cell envelope, underlies Vohwinkel's syndrome. Nat Genet. 1996 May;13(1):70-7. doi: 10.1038/ng0596-70. Citation on PubMed
- O'Driscoll J, Muston GC, McGrath JA, Lam HM, Ashworth J, Christiano AM. A recurrent mutation in the loricrin gene underlies the ichthyotic variant of Vohwinkel syndrome. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 May;27(3):243-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2230.2002.01031.x. Citation on PubMed
- Schmuth M, Fluhr JW, Crumrine DC, Uchida Y, Hachem JP, Behne M, Moskowitz DG, Christiano AM, Feingold KR, Elias PM. Structural and functional consequences of loricrin mutations in human loricrin keratoderma (Vohwinkel syndrome with ichthyosis). J Invest Dermatol. 2004 Apr;122(4):909-22. doi: 10.1111/j.0022-202X.2004.22431.x. Citation on PubMed
- Schmuth M, Gruber R, Elias PM, Williams ML. Ichthyosis update: towards a function-driven model of pathogenesis of the disorders of cornification and the role of corneocyte proteins in these disorders. Adv Dermatol. 2007;23:231-56. doi: 10.1016/j.yadr.2007.07.011. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
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