Novel and recurrent mutations in the filaggrin gene in Chinese patients with ichthyosis vulgaris

Background Ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) is a common inherited skin disorder, and the filament aggregating protein (filaggrin) is a key protein involved in skin barrier function. Mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) have recently been identified as the cause of IV. However, there have been no reports of FLG mutations in mainland Chinese families with IV. Objectives To identify FLG mutations in Chinese patients with IV. Methods Eleven unrelated Chinese families with IV were examined for FLG mutations with denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography prescreening and sequencing. SNaPShot was employed to obtain a high‐throughput screening for the identified mutations. Results Three mutations – one novel mutation (Q1256X) and two known mutations (3321delA and E2422X) – were identified in these families. The novel mutation, Q1256X, found in a Chinese family with IV, was located in filaggrin repeat 3. Mutation 3321delA, previously found in Japanese patients, was present in eight Chinese families with IV. Mutation E2422X, previously found in a Dutch patient of Chinese origin, was present in two Chinese families with IV. Neither of the null mutations, Q1256X and E2422X, were found in 100 unrelated control cases from the Chinese population; however, the mutation ratio for 3321delA was 3% in these controls. Conclusions Our study suggests that each population may have a unique and prevalent set of FLG mutations.     

Analysis of Taiwanese ichthyosis vulgaris families further demonstrates differences in FLG mutations between European and Asian populations

Background  Mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin ( FLG ) were identified to underlie ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) and also shown to predispose to atopic eczema. Until now, no FLG mutations have been described in the Taiwanese population.
Objectives  To elucidate filaggrin mutations in the Taiwanese population and further to clarify the population genetics of filaggrin gene mutations in the Asian populations.
Methods  In the present study, 12 individuals from four unrelated Taiwanese IV families were examined for FLG mutations. We carried out comprehensive sequencing of the entire FLG coding region using an overlapping polymerase chain reaction strategy.
Results  We identified three FLG mutations in the Taiwanese IV families. One mutation E1795X was a previously unidentified FLG mutation, which might be specific to the Taiwanese. Interestingly, another FLG mutation 3321delA is prevalent in the Japanese population and the other mutation Q2417X was found in the Singaporean Chinese population. No FLG mutation identified in the white European population was found in the Taiwanese population.
Conclusions  The present findings suggest that the Taiwanese population, as an East Asian group, share FLG mutations with both the Japanese and the Singaporean Chinese population. In addition, these results exemplify differences in the population genetics of filaggrin between Europe and Asia.     

寻常型鱼鳞病一家系Filaggrin基因突变检测

目的探讨一家系寻常型鱼鳞病(ichthyosis vulgaris,IV)丝聚合蛋白(filaggrin,FLG)基因的突变。方法提取IV患者及其家庭成员和100例健康对照者基因组DNA,采用PCR及直接测序法,对FLG基因已报道的13个突变位点(3321delA,441delA,1249insG,E1795X,S3296X,R501X,2282del4,R2447X,S2889X,7945delA,3702delG,Q2417X,R4307X)进行测序。结果三代7位成员中4例IV患者同时检测到FLG(441delA)基因突变。结论患者FLG(441delA)基因突变可能导致其发病。     

寻常型鱼鳞病患者皮损中间丝聚合蛋白及其基因的改变

【摘要】 目的 探讨寻常型鱼鳞病患者中间丝聚合蛋白（FLG）基因突变与FLG及兜甲蛋白在寻常型鱼鳞病患者皮损组织中的表达及其临床意义。 方法 采用SP免疫组化方法检测10例汉族寻常型鱼鳞病患者皮损及14例健康对照皮肤组织内FLG及兜甲蛋白的表达,用图像分析软件ImagePro plus（IPP）判定FLG及兜甲蛋白在寻常型鱼鳞病患者皮损及正常皮肤组织中表达的阳性单位（PU值）。提取10例汉族寻常型鱼鳞病患者及100例健康对照者的基因组DNA,采用PCR及直接测序法,对FLG基因已报道的13个突变位点（3321delA、441delA、1249insG、E1795X、S3296X、R501X、2282del4、R2447X、S2889X、7945delA、3702delG、Q2417X、R4307X）进行测序。 结果 FLG在寻常型鱼鳞病皮损及健康对照皮肤角质层、颗粒层、棘层及基底层细胞均有表达,胞质染色多见;寻常型鱼鳞病皮损阳性染色PU值明显低于健康对照皮肤（分别为0.2082 ± 0.0080和0.2300 ± 0.0228,两组比较,t = 3.30,P < 0.01）。兜甲蛋白在寻常型鱼鳞病皮损及健康对照皮肤颗粒层、棘层及基底层细胞均有表达,胞质及胞核染色多见;寻常型鱼鳞病皮损表达的PU值明显低于健康对照皮肤（分别为0.1370 ± 0.0112和0.1493 ± 0.0073,两组比较,t = 3.07,P < 0.01）。7例寻常型鱼鳞病患者检测到FLG 3321delA突变位点,2例检测到FLG 441delA突变位点,健康对照组未检测到FLG基因突变位点。 结论 FLG（3321delA,441delA）可能是汉族寻常型鱼鳞病患者的突变位点之一。FLG及兜甲蛋白表达下降可能与寻常型鱼鳞病患者皮肤屏障功能障碍有关。     

Ichthyosis vulgaris: novel FLG mutations in the German population and high presence of CD1a+ cells in the epidermis of the atopic subgroup

Background  Ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) is a genetic disorder with a prevalence of 1 : 250–1000 caused by filaggrin ( FLG ) mutations, which also predispose to atopic diseases.
Objectives  To study the genotype/phenotype relationship in IV and to analyse whether the suggested skin barrier defect is associated with differences of epidermal dendritic cells.
Patients/methods  We evaluated a cohort of 26 German patients with IV, established an IV severity score and analysed epidermal ultrastructure, histology, filaggrin and CD1a antigens. Mutations were screened by restriction enzyme analysis. Particular sequencing techniques allowed the complete FLG analysis to reveal novel mutations.
Results  The combined null allele frequency of R501X and 2282del4 was 67·3%. Patients also showed the mutations S3247X and R2447X as well as five novel FLG mutations: 424del17 and 621del4 (profilaggrin S100 domain), 2974delGA (repeat 2), R3766X (repeat 10₁) and E4265X (repeat 10₂). Their combined allele frequency in controls was < 0·7%. No mutation was found in one IV patient, all in all ∼27% were heterozygous, and the majority (∼69%) showed two null alleles. The IV severity score and ultrastructure showed a significant correlation with genotypes. Interestingly, CD1a cell counts showed a significant difference between nonatopic and atopic IV patients both with eczema and without eczema.
Conclusions  We confirm that the mutations R501X and 2282del4 represent the most frequent genetic cause in German IV patients. The novel mutations are probably population and family specific. The observed differences of CD1a cells support the hypothesis that there is a barrier defect that predisposes to atopic manifestations, possibly independent of atopic eczema.     

Prevalent and rare mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin cause ichthyosis vulgaris and predispose individuals to atopic dermatitis

Mutations in the filament aggregating protein (filaggrin) gene have recently been identified as the cause of the common genetic skin disorder ichthyosis vulgaris (IV), the most prevalent inherited disorder of keratinization. The main characteristics of IV are fine-scale on the arms and legs, palmar hyperlinearity, and keratosis pilaris. Here, we have studied six Irish families with IV for mutations in filaggrin. We have identified a new mutation, 3702delG, in addition to further instances of the reported mutations R501X and 2282del4, which are common in people of European origin. A case of a 2282del4 homozygote was also identified. Mutation 3702delG terminates protein translation in filaggrin repeat domain 3, whereas both recurrent mutations occur in repeat 1. These mutations are semidominant: heterozygotes have an intermediate phenotype most readily identified by palmar hyperlinearity and in some cases fine-scale and/or keratosis pilaris, whereas homozygotes or compound heterozygotes generally have more marked ichthyosis. Interestingly, the phenotypes of individuals homozygous for R501X, 2282del4, or compound heterozygous for R501X and 3702delG, were comparable, suggesting that mutations located centrally in the filaggrin repeats are also pathogenic.     

Filaggrin Gene Mutations in African Americans with Both Ichthyosis Vulgaris and Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) are two common disorders of epidermal homeostasis resulting in dry skin. The profilaggrin gene, located on chromosome 1q22, encodes a keratin filament aggregating protein (filaggrin) that is essential to forming the epidermal barrier and maintaining hydration. Null mutations in filaggrin have been found to underlie IV and are common in patients with AD, but the minority of African Americans with AD or IV show these mutations in filaggrin. We have selectively studied African Americans with both AD and IV to maximize the possibility of finding filaggrin null mutations in this population. DNA was collected using buccal swabs from 18 African American children with both AD and IV and 17 African American controls without either of these diseases. Purified genomic DNA was amplified using polymerase chain reaction from three regions of the filaggrin gene, exon 3, including R501X, 2282del4, E2554X, R2447X, 1249insG, R826X, 2767insT, and E2422X. Of the African American children with both AD and IV, 22.2% were heterozygous for filaggrin null mutations. Out of the control group, one carried a null mutation and was later discovered to have a history of asthma. Null mutations found in this population included R501X (n = 1), 2282del4 (n = 2), and R826X (n = 2, including the control patient). Our data demonstrate a prevalence of filaggrin mutations in the African American population that exceeds previously published data, although the overall prevalence is still lower than in other populations. It is likely that factors other than known FLG mutations are involved in African American patients.     

Specific filaggrin mutations cause ichthyosis vulgaris and are significantly associated with atopic dermatitis in Japan

Mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin (FLG) have been identified as the cause of ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) and shown to be major predisposing factors for atopic dermatitis (AD). However, these studies have been mainly carried out in European populations. In early 2007, we identified two Oriental-specific FLG mutations in four Japanese families with IV and reported that filaggrin mutations were also significant predisposing factors for AD in Japan. However, the frequency of FLG mutations observed in our Japanese AD cohort (5.6%), was much lower than that seen in Europeans (up to 48%). Here, we studied a further seven Japanese families with IV and identified two additional nonsense mutations in FLG, S2889X, and S3296X. We found that more than 20% of patients in our Japanese AD case series carry FLG mutations, and there is significant statistical association between the four mutations and AD (chi(2) P=8.4 x 10(-6); heterozygote odds ratio 7.57, 95% CI 2.84-23.03). These data emphasize that skin-barrier impairment due to reduced filaggrin expression plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD and sheds further light on the genetic architecture of atopy in Japan.     

Analyses of FLG mutation frequency and filaggrin expression in isolated ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) and atopic dermatitis‐associated IV

Background Ichthyosis vulgaris (IV; OMIM 146700) is a very common inherited skin disorder. Loss‐of‐function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) have been identified as the cause of IV. In a previous study, we found that the percentage of FLG null mutations was lower in IV associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) than in IV not associated with AD (isolated IV). We speculated that some clinical manifestations of IV in patients with AD are not induced by FLG mutations. Objectives In order to clarify this issue, we collected 21 IV pedigrees, 33 patients with sporadic isolated IV and 116 patients with AD‐associated IV to analyse FLG mutation frequency and filaggrin expression in isolated IV and AD‐associated IV. Methods A comprehensive sequencing of the FLG gene in all patients was performed using an overlapping polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategy. We also studied the immunohistochemistry of profilaggrin/filaggrin protein expression in the skin and measured the mRNA expression using real‐time PCR in seven patients, including one patient with IV harbouring the mutation c.3321delA, two patients with AD‐associated IV harbouring c.3321delA and c.6834del5, and four patients with AD‐associated IV without FLG mutations. Results The percentage of mutations in the FLG gene was 74% and 43% in patients with isolated IV and patients with AD‐associated IV, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that profilaggrin/filaggrin peptides were remarkably reduced in the epidermis of all the patients. All the patients with either AD or IV showed lower FLG mRNA expression compared with the normal control. Conclusions These results indicate that factors other than FLG gene mutations can downregulate profilaggrin/filaggrin expression, leading to the ichthyosiform phenotype in the context of AD.     

Novel FLG mutations associated with ichthyosis vulgaris in the Chinese population

Loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin (FLG) can cause the semidominant keratinizing disorder ichthyosis vulgaris (OMIM 146700). To identify FLG mutations in three Chinese pedigrees with ichthyosis vulgaris, we sequenced the entire coding region of FLG in the proband of each pedigree. We found two novel FLG null mutations (c.477-478insA and c.6218-6219delAA) and a known mutation (c.3321delA). Both novel mutations were identified in the proband of pedigree 1; c.477-478insA was inherited from the proband's father, and the other was a de novo mutation. Neither of these two mutations was found in 200 unrelated controls. These findings extend the spectrum of functional FLG variants possibly causing ichthyosis vulgaris. Interestingly, the proband of pedigree 1 was compound heterozygous for these mutations, but had a mild phenotype, suggesting that an incomplete penetrance factor and perhaps other unknown factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of ichthyosis vulgaris.     

Sequence analysis of filaggrin gene by novel shotgun method in Japanese atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Recent reports indicated that nonsense mutations in filaggrin (FLG) found in ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) patients are predisposing factors for atopic dermatitis (AD) with asthma. The exon 3 of FLG contains tandemly repeated, highly homologous, 11-13 sequence units of 972 or 975 bp, each of which corresponds to the coding sequence of the processed filaggrin with slight sequence difference. This unique gene structure has hampered the precise DNA sequence determination. OBJECTIVE: We developed a novel DNA sequencing method "FLG-shotgun" to directly characterize the mutations in Japanese AD patients. METHODS: We examined 24 Japanese AD patients with "FLG-shotgun" method. RESULTS: Multiple units of FLG were amplified by PCR using several sets of common primers for the conserved regions, and DNA sequences of each cloned PCR product were determined. Multiple reads of DNA sequences in both alleles were aligned and re-constructed to cover the entire coding regions. We found three major genotypes (A, B, and C) which represent different numbers (11-13) of homologous sequence units. Furthermore, we found two novel nonsense mutations; one mutation 8666-8667CC>GA on the unit 9 of allele B that causes a nonsense mutation S2899X in two patients and the other mutation 9887C>A on the unit 10 of allele B that causes a nonsense mutation S3296X in two patients. CONCLUSION: We found two novel FLG mutations by directly analyzing Japanese patients with AD. FLG-shotgun will provide a valuable tool to further define the nature of the AD phenotype associated with FLG mutations.     

Loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene and allergic contact sensitization to nickel

Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent dermatological problems affecting 7% of the general population. Impaired skin barrier function facilitates the penetration of contact allergens and irritants into the epidermal layer and is regarded as an important cofactor promoting the process of allergic contact sensitization. Filaggrin is crucial for the maintenance of the skin barrier function. Loss-of-function mutations within the filaggrin (FLG) gene are associated with skin barrier diseases such as ichthyosis vulgaris and atopic eczema (AE). To assess the impact of FLG on allergic contact sensitization and plausible intermediate traits, the two prevalent FLG mutations R501X and 2282del4 were typed in 1,502 individuals of the KORA C population-based cohort with extensive dermatologic phenotyping. Associations of FLG mutations with AE could be replicated. Strong associations were seen with dry skin, palmar hyperlinearity, and keratosis pilaris. In addition, an association with contact sensitization to nickel and contact sensitization to nickel combined with intolerance to fashion jewelry, but not with other contact allergens, was observed. From these data, we conclude that a genetically determined FLG deficiency manifests as dry skin and features of ichthyosis vulgaris. In addition, FLG deficiency may also represent a risk factor for contact sensitization to allergens.     

Skin prick test reactivity to aeroallergens by filaggrin mutation status

Background Studies have shown that filaggrin gene (FLG) mutations are positively associated with sensitization to aero allergens. We hypothesized that FLG mutations would also have an effect on the mean size of positive skin prick test (SPT) reactions as well as the number of positive reactions. Objective To investigate the effect of FLG mutations on the mean size and the number of positive SPT reactions, as well as the association with positive specific IgE. Methods A random sample of 3335 adults from the general population in Denmark was genotyped for the R501X and 2282del4 mutations in the FLG. SPT and specific IgE measurements to common aeroallergens were also performed. Results FLG mutations did not influence the mean size and number of positive SPT reactions. Also, no association was found between FLG mutations and specific IgE measurements. Conclusion Our findings suggest that FLG mutations alone are insufficient to cause secondary sensitization to allergens. The positive association seen in patients must be explained by a combination of further barrier abnormality caused by dermatitis as well as increased allergen exposure.     

Filaggrin mutations are genetic modifying factors exacerbating X-linked ichthyosis

Mutations inactivating the STS gene cause X-linked ichthyosis (XLI), whereas null mutations in the FLG gene cause ichthyosis vulgaris. Two brothers presented with XLI. One had a typical fine scaling, and the other was much more severely affected. Both patients carried STS missense mutation T165I. Furthermore, the more severely affected patient also carried heterozygous FLG mutation R501X, which was absent from his mildly affected brother. These data suggest that disrupting epidermal differentiation via different pathways can increase phenotypic severity. Owing to the high population frequency of FLG mutations, filaggrin is a possible genetic modifier in other genodermatoses.     

The hands in health and disease of individuals with filaggrin loss-of-function mutations: clinical reflections on the hand eczema phenotype

During the last 2 years, we have performed filaggrin genotyping in patients with eczema seen in our hand eczema clinic. We present pictures of healthy and diseased hands from individuals with filaggrin gene (FLG) mutations to describe a clinical entity of hand eczema. We show that xerosis and hyperkeratosis on the dorsal aspects of the hands and fingers, as well as palmar hyperlinearity, should alert the clinician about a possible inherited barrier abnormality of the skin resulting from FLG mutations. The series of photographs range from the hands of an individual with FLG mutations but no history of eczema, to the hands of individuals with typical and atypical filaggrin hand eczema, and finally to the hands of an individual with FLG mutations and hand eczema caused by exposure to irritants and allergens. We briefly discuss this possible subtype of hand eczema, present pathomechanisms, and indicate the signs that should alert the clinicians about a possible inherited skin barrier defect.     

Filaggrin compound heterozygous patients carry mutations in trans position

More than 40 null mutations in the filaggrin (FLG) gene are described. It is therefore possible to find two different null mutations in one individual (compound heterozygosity). It has been generally perceived that homozygous and compound heterozygous individuals were genotypically comparable; however, this has not been scientifically investigated. Two different FLG null mutations in the same individual may be in trans position, meaning that each mutation locates to a different allele functionally equivalent to homozygosity, or may be in cis position, meaning that both mutations locate to the same allele functionally equivalent to heterozygosity. To experimentally investigate allelic in cis versus in trans configuration of the two most common filaggrin (FLG) mutations (R501X and 2282del4) in compound heterozygous individuals. Testing for in cis or in trans allele configuration was performed by means of allele‐specific PCR amplification and analysis of PCR products by agarose gel electrophoresis. All R501X/2282del4 compound heterozygous samples collected over a 4‐year period of routine FLG mutation testing were investigated. In total, 37 samples were tested. All thirty‐seven R501X/2282del4 compound heterozygous individuals were found to carry the two mutations in trans position. FLG null mutation compound heterozygous individuals can be considered functionally equivalent to FLG null mutation homozygosity for any of the two mutations.     

On the role of the epidermal differentiation complex in ichthyosis vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

Undisturbed epidermal differentiation is crucial for an intact skin barrier function. The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes on chromosome 1q21 encoding proteins that fulfil important functions in terminal differentiation in the human epidermis, including filaggrin, loricrin, S100 proteins and others. Recently, evidence emerged that variation within EDC genes plays an important role in the pathogenesis of three common skin disorders, ichthyosis vulgaris, atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis. Two loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin (FLG) gene, R501X and 2282del4, were identified as causative for ichthyosis vulgaris in 15 affected European families, and the mode of inheritance was found to be semidominant. As ichthyosis vulgaris and AD often occur concomitantly in affected individuals, these two mutations were subsequently investigated in AD patients and found to be strongly associated with the disease. Following this first report, seven replication studies have been performed that all confirm an association of these two mutations with AD (or AD subtypes) in several European cohorts. Additionally, two unique loss-of-function mutations in the FLG gene were identified in Japanese ichthyosis vulgaris families and found to be associated with AD in a Japanese cohort. Thus, the FLG mutations are among the most consistently replicated associations for AD. Additionally, linkage analysis has suggested that variation within the EDC might also predispose for psoriasis but the exact susceptibility variation(s) have not yet been elucidated. Taken together, these findings convincingly demonstrate the important role of barrier dysfunction in various common skin disorders.     

Recurrent mutations in kindlin-1, a novel keratinocyte focal contact protein, in the autosomal recessive skin fragility and photosensitivity disorder, Kindler syndrome

Kindler syndrome (OMIM 173650) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by trauma-induced blister formation (especially in childhood) and photosensitivity. Other features include mucocutaneous scarring and progressive poikiloderma. There is also an increased risk of skin and mucous membrane malignancy. The disorder was recently mapped to 20p12.3 and pathogenic mutations were identified in a new gene, KIND1. This gene encodes a 677 amino acid protein, kindlin-1, a component of focal contacts in keratinocytes. In this study, we identified four new recurrent mutations in KIND1 in 16 individuals with Kindler syndrome from 13 families of Pakistani (676insC), UK Caucasian (E304X), Omani (W616X), or Italian (958-1G > A) origins. Haplotype analysis demonstrated common ancestral mutant alleles for each mutation, apart from one of the six Pakistani families in which the mutation 676insC (which occurs in a repeat of seven cytosines) was present on a different genetic background. All mutations were homozygous, apart from the three UK Caucasian cases that were all compound heterozygotes (second allele mutations: L302X, 1161delA, 1909delA). All mutations were associated with markedly reduced or absent skin immunostaining with an antikindlin-1 antibody. These loss-of-function KIND1 mutations demonstrate the importance of kindlin-1 in maintaining epithelial integrity, although the mechanism linking this mutant protein to photosensitivity and poikiloderma remains to be determined. Delineation of these recurrent mutations is also relevant to optimizing mutation detection strategies in Kindler syndrome patients from particular ethnic backgrounds.     

Mutations analysis in filaggrin gene in northern China patients with atopic dermatitis

Background Recently, we have reported filaggrin mutations (FLG) of atopic dermatitis in southern China. However, there have been few detailed reports of FLG mutations of patients with AD in northern China by now. Objectives The present aim was to establish the mutation spectrum of FLG gene in AD patients in northern China. Methods A total of 339 cases met Hanifin and Rajka diagnostic criteria of AD were recruited. A comprehensive sequencing of the entire FLG coding region in these patients was conducted. All detected FLG null mutations were screened in a cohort of 301 normal controls. Results Seven novel mutations (478insA, Q1070X, 4026delT, Q1712X, Q2397X, 7145del4 and 8001del4) and eleven reported mutations (3222del4, 3321delA, 4271delAA, S1515X, Q1790X, 5757del4, 6834del5, Q2417X, E2422X, 7945delA and K4671X) in AD were identified. Mutations 3321delA and K4671X were two of the most common mutations in AD. FLG null mutations were present in 26.0% of AD patients. FLG null alleles (compound genotypes) were significantly higher in AD (P < 0.001) than in the controls. The compound genotypes for all FLG variants were significantly associated with IV (P < 0.001) and palmar hyperlinearity (P < 0.001). The common mutation, K4671X, was significantly associated with AD‐coexistent allergic rhinitis (P = 0.005). Conclusions Our study increases the total number of FLG mutations. We clearly demonstrated that FLG loss‐of‐function mutations were significantly associated with AD in northern China. The FLG null mutations in the Chinese population differed not only from that in the European population but also from that in sub‐populations of Asians outside of the Chinese mainland.     

Caspase-14 is required for filaggrin degradation to natural moisturizing factors in the skin

Caspase-14 is a protease that is mainly expressed in suprabasal epidermal layers and activated during keratinocyte cornification. Caspase-14-deficient mice display reduced epidermal barrier function and increased sensitivity to UVB radiation. In these mice, profilaggrin, a protein with a pivotal role in skin barrier function, is processed correctly to its functional filaggrin (FLG) repeat unit, but proteolytic FLG fragments accumulate in the epidermis. In wild-type stratum corneum, FLG is degraded into free amino acids, some of which contribute to generation of the natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) that maintain epidermal hydration. We found that caspase-14 cleaves the FLG repeat unit and identified two caspase-14 cleavage sites. These results indicate that accumulation of FLG fragments in caspase-14(-/-) mice is due to a defect in the terminal FLG degradation pathway. Consequently, we show that the defective FLG degradation in caspase-14-deficient skin results in substantial reduction in the amount of NMFs, such as urocanic acid and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. Taken together, we identified caspase-14 as a crucial protease in FLG catabolism.