Keratin 14 is a member of the
type I keratin Type I keratins (or Type I cytokeratins) are cytokeratins that constitute the Type I intermediate filaments (IFs) of the intracytoplasmatic cytoskeleton, which is present in all mammalian epithelial cells. Most of the type I keratins consist of aci ...
family of intermediate filament proteins. Keratin 14 was the first type I keratin sequence determined.
Keratin 14 is also known as cytokeratin-14 (CK-14) or keratin-14 (KRT14). In humans it is encoded by the ''KRT14''
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "...Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a ba ...
.
Keratin 14 is usually found as a heterodimer with type II
keratin 5
Keratin 5, also known as KRT5, K5, or CK5, is a protein that is encoded in humans by the ''KRT5'' gene. It dimerizes with keratin 14 and forms the intermediate filaments (IF) that make up the cytoskeleton of basal epithelial cells. This protein i ...
and form the
cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a complex, dynamic network of interlinking protein filaments present in the cytoplasm of all cells, including those of bacteria and archaea. In eukaryotes, it extends from the cell nucleus to the cell membrane and is com ...
of
epithelial cells.
Pathology
Mutations in the genes for these keratins are associated with
epidermolysis bullosa
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare medical conditions that result in easy blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. Blisters occur with minor trauma or friction and are painful. Its severity can range from mild to fatal. Inherited E ...
simplex
and
dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis
Dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis (DPR) is a rare, autosomal dominant congenital disorder that is a form of ectodermal dysplasia. Dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis is composed of the triad of generalizereticulate hyperpigmentation noncica ...
, both of which are autosomal dominant mutations.
See also
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34βE12 (keratin 903)
References
Further reading
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External links
GeneReviews/NCBI/UW/NIH entry on Epidermolysis Bullosa SimplexProteopedia page on keratins
Keratins
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