Keratin-associated protein 16-1 (KRTAP16-1)

Keratin-associated protein 16-1 (KRTAP16-1) is part of the keratin-associated protein (KRTAP) family, which, together with intermediate filament keratins, forms the structural matrix of the hair shaft in mammals. It is a high sulfur KRTAP, rich in cysteine, playing a role in hair structure via the formation of strong disulfide cross-links with keratin intermediate filaments[1][2][7]. KRTAP16-1 is mainly found in the cortex of hair shafts but is not widely expressed outside this context. It is encoded by the KRTAP16-1 gene (HGNC: 18916, NCBI: 100505753, Ensembl: ENSG00000212657)[4]. There is currently no evidence supporting its classification as a therapeutic target (e.g., enzyme, receptor, transporter, etc.), nor does it have any known interacting drugs or direct biomarker or safety concern status[4][5]. Disease association appears limited and indirect, mainly through large-scale genome studies implicating variants in some rare conditions (e.g., Indeterminate leprosy, Niemann-Pick Disease Type C2), but mechanistic or clinical relevance remains unclear[4]. Its main function is structural, contributing to hair strength, fiber formation, and possibly fiber characteristics via amino acid composition differences within the KRTAP16 subfamily[2].

Other names

Keratin associated protein 16-1KAP16.1keratin-associated protein 16-1putative keratin-associated protein 10-likeENSP00000375147KRTAP16-1