Keratin (structural protein) (null)

Keratin refers to a family of highly stable, fibrous structural proteins present in vertebrates, forming the intermediate filaments of epithelial cells in tissues such as skin, hair, nails, and feathers. There are more than 50 different keratin genes in humans, generally classified into type I (acidic) and type II (basic to neutral) subfamilies. Keratins assemble into coiled-coil dimers and then further into filaments, providing mechanical integrity and strength to epithelial cells and tissues. They are not signaling molecules, receptors, or traditional drug targets, but disruptions or mutations in specific keratin genes can cause a variety of hereditary skin and epithelial disorders. Some keratins are used as biomarkers in disease diagnostics, particularly in oncology and pathology.

Other names

Keratinscytokeratinshard keratinssoft keratinsα-keratinβ-keratin

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