LCE6A Polypeptide Reinforcing Epidermal Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions are inadequate in effectively addressing dry skin and impaired barrier function of the epidermis, particularly in aging skin and skin disorders characterized by thickened or thin stratum corneum.
Innovation Solution
A novel polypeptide, LCE6A, belonging to the Late Cornified Envelope (LCE) family, is identified and used to reinforce the epidermal barrier function by incorporating into the cornified envelope, enhancing skin cohesion and resistance through its glutamine-lysine domains, which are substrates for transglutaminases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions are used, then general skin care is provided, but they are inadequate in effectively addressing dry skin and impaired barrier function
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the biochemical parameters of the stratum corneum by introducing LCE6A polypeptide with specific glutamine-lysine domains that serve as substrates for transglutaminases, thereby modifying the cross-linking properties and barrier function of the cornified envelope to effectively address dry skin and aging skin conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure within the cornified envelope by incorporating LCE6A polypeptide that works synergistically with existing envelope proteins (loricrin, filaggrin, involucrin) and lipids to enhance barrier function and skin cohesion without disrupting the natural epidermal architecture
2Reliability
If the stratum corneum is thickened to improve barrier function, then protection is enhanced, but abnormal desquamation and hyperkeratosis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by targeting the molecular level of the cornified envelope with LCE6A polypeptide, enhancing barrier function through improved protein cross-linking and cohesion at the cellular level, rather than inducing global thickening of the stratum corneum that leads to hyperkeratosis
3Strength
If the stratum corneum is thinned to reduce fragility, then skin flexibility is improved, but barrier function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the quality parameters of the existing stratum corneum by enhancing the cross-linking density and cohesion of the cornified envelope through LCE6A incorporation, thereby improving barrier function without requiring changes in stratum corneum thickness, thus maintaining skin flexibility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
LCE6A effectively prevents and treats signs of dry skin, skin aging, and related disorders by improving skin cohesion, thickness, and integrity, thereby enhancing the skin's barrier function and reducing sensitivity and discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
these proteins of the LCE family are incorporated in the cornified envelope owing to the action of transglutaminases, which establish an ε-(γ-glutamyl) lysyl linkage between a donor glutamine residue and an acceptor amine group, in a calcium-dependent manner
Data Source
AI summary
Polypeptides belonging to the family of late proteins of the cornified envelope (LCE), fragments of the polypeptide, isolated nucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides, and cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical compositions containing such polypeptides are described. The polypeptides have cosmetic and/or therapeutic use to reinforce the barrier function of the epidermis, prevent and/or treat the signs of skin dryness and prevent and/or treat disorders of the barrier function or the weakening of the epidermis.