Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 6C (KRT6C)

Keratin 6C is a type II cytoskeletal protein belonging to the keratin family of intermediate filaments, encoded on chromosome 12q13. It forms heteropolymers in epithelial cells, providing a resilient framework that preserves tissue integrity, especially in the skin, hair follicles, and nails. Mutations in the KRT6C gene compromise intermediate filament assembly and cause rare skin disorders such as pachyonychia congenita and palmoplantar keratoderma, with symptoms including painful blisters and calluses, particularly on areas experiencing high friction. Recent research indicates that KRT6C or its circular RNA (circ-KRT6C) plays an oncogenic role in several epithelial-derived cancers, correlating with enhanced proliferation, immune evasion, and poor prognosis. Its dysregulated expression in cancer and response to environmental stress support its emerging role as a diagnostic biomarker.

Other names

Keratin 6CKRT6CKRT6ECK-6CCK-6EK6CCytokeratin-6CCytokeratin-6EKeratin K6hKeratin-6CType-II keratin Kb12

Not applicable; no drugs directly targeting Keratin 6C are known, but alteration of its gene/protein expression can affect cellular responses in cancer and keratin disorders