TLDR Scientists discovered a unique hair protein, KAP24.1, with a special structure, found only in the upper part of hair cuticles.
The study characterized KAP24.1, a novel keratin-associated protein found exclusively in human scalp hair, revealing its unique amino acid composition with high serine, proline, and tyrosine but low cysteine content. KAP24.1 featured distinctive carboxyterminal tyrosine-containing tandem decameric repeats and was distinct from other KAP family members. Expression studies confirmed its specific localization in the middle/upper hair cuticle, suggesting a specialized role in hair structure and integrity.
53 citations,
June 2005 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” KAP genes show significant genetic variability, but its impact on hair traits is unclear.
6 citations,
April 2005 in “Journal of dermatological science” The study found nine new hair protein genes in human hair follicles.
479 citations,
January 2005 in “BioEssays” Hair follicle development is controlled by interactions between skin tissues and specific molecular signals.
62 citations,
January 2004 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” A second domain of high sulfur KAP genes on chromosome 21q23 is crucial for hair structure.
100 citations,
December 2002 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry” Researchers mapped and categorized specific keratin-associated protein genes on human chromosome 21q22.1.
98 citations,
June 2001 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry” A cluster of sulfur-rich hair protein genes was found on chromosome 17.
74 citations,
October 1998 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry” The 190-kbp domain contains all human type I hair keratin genes, showing their organization and evolution.
38 citations,
October 2011 in “Analytical biochemistry” Hair proteins have weak spots in their α-helical segments.
1 citations,
September 2023 in “Animals” A new goat gene affects cashmere fiber thickness; certain variations can make the fibers coarser.
3 citations,
September 2014 in “SpringerPlus” Human hair loss may have evolved to help increase brain size.
98 citations,
June 2001 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry” A cluster of sulfur-rich hair protein genes was found on chromosome 17.
62 citations,
January 2004 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” A second domain of high sulfur KAP genes on chromosome 21q23 is crucial for hair structure.
