Keratin 14 (K14)

Keratin 14 is a type I keratin and one of the main intermediate filament proteins expressed in the basal layer of the epidermis, where it forms obligatory heterodimers with keratin 5 to provide mechanical strength and resilience to keratinocytes[1][2][3][4]. Mutations in the keratin 14 gene (KRT14) impair filament assembly, leading to skin fragility syndromes such as epidermolysis bullosa simplex[1][2][3]. Keratin 14 is essential for cytoskeletal integrity, influences cell proliferation and differentiation, and plays a key role in maintaining the barrier function and homeostasis of stratified epithelia, such as skin[1][3][4]. K14 may also contribute to the regulation of signaling pathways involved in proliferation and differentiation, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and Notch pathways, and indirectly influences cellular responses to mechanical stress[4]. There are currently no known drugs that directly target keratin 14, but its genetic status serves as an important diagnostic marker for inherited blistering diseases[1][2].

Other names

Cytokeratin 14KRT14CK14

Not applicable (no established drugs directly target K14)