Synthesis and secretion of apolipoprotein E by cultured human keratinocytes.

Non-polar lipids are synthesized by keratinocytes in the epidermis and transported to the extracellular space where they contribute to formation of a permeability barrier. Transport of non-polar lipids in other organs and tissues usually occurs with the lipid complexed to an apolipoprotein. In this study we set out to learn if apolipoprotein E is produced by human epidermal keratinocytes in culture. Analysis of total cellular RNA from cultured keratinocytes showed the presence of human apolipoprotein E mRNA at concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 35 molecules/cell. The cells secrete a protein identified as apo E on the basis of molecular weight, isoform pattern, and immunoreactivity. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay of media from keratinocyte cultures indicated that apolipoprotein E is secreted at a rate of 0.92 ng/h/10(6) cells.