Keratin 18 pseudogene 38 (KRT18P38)

Keratin 18 pseudogene 38 (KRT18P38) is classified as a pseudogene related to the keratin 18 gene family[4]. Pseudogenes are DNA sequences that are similar to functional genes but are considered nonfunctional due to mutations or lack of necessary transcriptional elements; they typically do not encode functional proteins and do not participate in biological processes or disease roles as canonical targets do[4][5]. KRT18P38, specifically, shows sequence similarity to **Keratin 18** (a well-studied cytokeratin implicated in epithelial cell biology and cancer), but unlike the functional KRT18 gene, KRT18P38 does not produce protein and has no established regulatory or disease-related role in the literature[4][5]. - There is no evidence this pseudogene is expressed, functional, or is ever considered for therapeutic targeting, clinical biomarker use, or drug development. - The correct clinical and biological target within the keratin family would be **Keratin 18 (KRT18)**, not KRT18P38[1][2][3]. In summary: KRT18P38 is a **pseudogene** with no current or anticipated utility as a molecular or therapeutic target, and queries referring to it as a target are considered incorrect or overly broad by standard nomenclature and target selection guidelines[4][5].

Other names

KRT18P38keratin 18 pseudogene 38