Keratin 18 pseudogene 62 (KRT18P62)

Keratin 18 pseudogene 62 (KRT18P62) is one of a large number of processed pseudogenes derived from the keratin 18 (KRT18) gene, itself a major epithelial cytoskeletal component. KRT18P62 does not encode a functional protein and is classified as an inactive gene fragment (processed pseudogene)[3]. The human genome contains over 60 processed pseudogenes for keratin 18, resulting from reverse transcription of KRT18 mRNA and insertion throughout various chromosomes, but these pseudogenes are not expressed or functional[3]. Only the parental keratin 18 gene codes for a protein involved in cytoskeletal structure, cell integrity, apoptosis, and serves as a biomarker in cancer and liver disease[1][2][5]. In contrast, KRT18P62 and similar pseudogenes are not associated with therapeutic targeting, biological activity, disease roles, or drug interactions. There is no evidence that KRT18P62 acts as a therapeutic target, biomarker, receptor, or has any protein-coding function. Its inclusion as a drug target or biomarker would be incorrect, as its sequence does not produce a functional molecule or exert biological functions[3][4].

Other names

KRT18P62