Keratin-associated protein 2-4 (KRTAP2-4)

Keratin-associated protein 2-4 is a member of the keratin-associated protein family, specifically classified within the high sulfur KAP subgroup. These proteins form the interfilamentous matrix that embeds hair keratin intermediate filaments, contributing critically to the strength, rigidity, and resilience of the hair shaft. The KRTAP2-4 gene is located in a cluster of KAP genes on chromosome 17q12–q21. High cysteine content enables extensive disulfide bonding with hair keratins, strengthening the hair fiber. KRTAP2-4 and related family members show diversity across mammalian species and are essential for the physical properties of hair. Although variations in KRTAP2-4 have been linked to some cancers, this gene product is not considered a canonical therapeutic target but rather a structural protein integral to hair morphology[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

KAP2.4KRTAP2.4Keratin-associated protein 2.4KAP2.1BKAP2.3KRTAP2-3KRTAP2.3High sulfur keratin-associated protein 2.4Keratin-associated protein 2-3Keratin-associated protein 2.3high sulfur keratin-associated protein 2.4keratin associated protein 2.1B