Keratocan (KERA)

Keratocan is a secreted extracellular matrix proteoglycan, encoded by the *KERA* gene, that binds to keratan sulfate chains and is primarily expressed in the cornea[1][3][4][10]. It belongs to the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) family and is essential for the organization of collagen fibrils and maintaining the stromal matrix architecture, thereby ensuring corneal transparency and correct curvature[1][2][3]. Mutations in the *KERA* gene can result in cornea plana 2, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by flattened corneal curvature and impaired vision[1][2][3][4][6][9][10]. There is currently no evidence that keratocan is a direct target of any pharmaceutical drugs or used as a clinical biomarker.

Other names

KERACNA2KTNSLRR2Bkeratocan proteoglycankeratan sulfate proteoglycan keratocan