Late Cornified Envelope Protein 1A (LCE1A)

LCE1A belongs to the late cornified envelope (LCE) gene cluster within the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) on chromosome 1. The LCE cluster contains multiple conserved genes that encode stratum corneum proteins, and these genes are expressed relatively late during fetal assembly of the skin cornified envelope.

RT-PCR analysis detected LEP1 in human skin, but not in heart or esophagus. In situ hybridization of mouse embryos showed that group 1 LEP genes, such as Lep1, were expressed just before barrier formation in the epidermal barrier formation pattern.LCE1A, like other LCE1 genes, was predominantly expressed in human fetal, arm, penal, and abdominal skin. Little to no LCE1A expression was detected in vulva, tongue, and esophagus.