Keratin 18 pseudogene 39 (KRT18P39)

Keratin 18 pseudogene 39 (KRT18P39) is one of many *processed pseudogenes* found in the human genome that are related to the functional **keratin 18** gene (KRT18), a type I intermediate filament expressed in epithelial tissues[5][7][6]. As a pseudogene, KRT18P39 does not encode a functional protein, nor does it play a known direct biological or pathological role. There are at least 77 KRT18-related pseudogenes dispersed throughout the human genome, and none of these contain an intact reading frame or are known to be functional[5][7]. The gene is not listed as a drug target, does not encode a receptor or enzyme, nor is it relevant for cellular signaling, disease, or therapy. The existence of these pseudogenes is a result of genetic duplication and retrotransposition events and they are considered nonfunctional "genomic fossils"[5][7]. The functional gene *keratin 18* (KRT18) is an important protein in epithelial biology and cancer, and is sometimes confused with its pseudogenes[1][4]. KRT18 plays roles in cell structure, apoptosis, and serves as a disease biomarker. However, this is **not** applicable to KRT18P39. There is no evidence that any pseudogene copy, including KRT18P39, acts as a therapeutic target, disease contributor, or biomarker[5][6][7]. In summary, **keratin 18 pseudogene 39** is a nonfunctional genomic copy of an important epithelial gene and does not serve as a valid therapeutic or research target.

Other names

KRT18P39