Envoplakin (EVPL)

Envoplakin is a protein encoded by the EVPL gene. Ruhrberg et al. (1996) described the cDNA sequence of envoplakin, a membrane-associated protein expressed in human stratified squamous epithelia in skin, oral mucosa, esophageal mucosa, and cervical mucosa. They demonstrated that envoplakin is upregulated in the differentiated layers of the epidermis. Envoplakin is homologous to the keratin-binding proteins desmoplakin I and II, bullous pemphigoid antigen-1 (BPAG1), and plectin. Ruhrberg et al. (1996) suggested that EVPL may be a novel desmosome component involved in anchoring keratin filaments to desmosomes in stratified epithelia. They suggested that in human epidermis envoplakin may link desmosomes and keratin filaments to the cornified envelope.