SCEL

Scel is the gene symbol SCEL for the human sciellin protein. Sciellin is a cytoplasmic protein expressed in differentiating keratinocytes of stratified epithelia. It is a component of the cornified envelope, a tough outer layer of epidermal cells, and is believed to function as a scaffold that helps assemble and stabilize envelope proteins. Through its role in the epidermal differentiation program, SCEL contributes to the skin's barrier properties and to the structural integrity of the epidermis. Expression of SCEL is typically highest in suprabasal keratinocytes and in tissues with cornified epithelia. The regulation of SCEL expression is tied to master transcriptional programs governing epidermal differentiation. In research, SCEL has been studied to understand mechanisms of cornified envelope formation and to explore changes in skin biology in disease contexts; however, more work is needed to define its precise function and clinical relevance. In addition to biology, 'scel' may be encountered as an acronym or shorthand in other fields, but this article focuses on the gene and protein SCEL in humans.