Keratin-associated protein 5-4 (KRTAP5-4)

Keratin-associated protein 5-4 (KRTAP5-4) is a structural protein coding gene primarily expressed in the hair cortex, where it is an essential constituent of the matrix embedding hair keratin intermediate filaments[2]. KRTAP5-4, as part of the keratin-associated protein (KRTAP) family, contributes to the formation of a rigid and resilient hair shaft via extensive disulfide bonds with keratin filaments, owing to abundant cysteine residues in both components[2][3]. The KRTAPs are classified as high-sulfur or ultrahigh-sulfur proteins based on their amino acid composition[3]. Variants of KRTAP5-4 have been linked to hair structure, but are not generally considered therapeutic drug targets or implication in major disease pathways, though some association with leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter is reported[2].

Other names

Keratin-associated protein 5-4KRTAP5-4KAP5.4KRTAP5.4Keratin-associated protein 5.4Ultrahigh sulfur keratin-associated protein 5.4