Location of Keratin-associated Proteins in Developing Fiber Cuticle Cells using Immunoelectron Microscopy

AIMS: To investigate the location of keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) in developing hair fiber cuticle cells using transmission electron microscopy with immunogold techniques and specific antibodies. Other studies were aimed at detecting the presence of cornified envelope proteins including involucrin and loricrin. MATEIALS AND METHODS: Polyclonal antibodies were produced in rabbits against peptides from KAPS 5.1, KAPS 10.1 ultra high-sulfur proteins. RESULTS: The KAP proteins were found to form part of the developing exocuticle and a- layer. Cornified envelope proteins (involucrin and loricrin) were absent consistent with recent findings. CONCLUSIONS: The results have been discussed in terms of a revised model for fiber cuticle surface barriers including their role in fiber cuticle surface function.