Characterization of the Exocuticle A-Layer Proteins of Wool

September 2007 in “ Experimental Dermatology ”

Scott Bringans, Jeffrey E. Plowman, Jolon M. Dyer, Stefan Clerens, James A. Vernon, Warren G. Bryson

TLDR The outer layer of Merino wool is rich in sulfur proteins, making it resistant to damage.

The study characterized the exocuticle a-layer proteins of Merino wool, which served as a resistant barrier to fiber degradation. Through proteolytic and chemical digestion, the a-layer was found to be enriched with proteins, particularly high in cysteine and glycine. Analysis revealed similarities to the Allwörden membrane and identified peptides with strong homologies to ultra-high sulfur proteins in sheep wool and human hair. This supported the presence of sulfur-rich proteins in the a-layer, contributing to its resistance properties.

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research Biology of the Wool Follicle: An Excursion into a Unique Tissue Interaction System Waiting to Be Rediscovered

117 citations , November 2006 in “Experimental Dermatology”

The article concludes that the wool follicle is a valuable model for studying tissue interactions and has potential for genetic improvements in wool production.

research Human KAP Genes: Only Half of It? Extensive Size Polymorphisms in Hair Keratin-Associated Protein Genes

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.

Hair Keratin Associated Proteins: Characterization of a Second High Sulfur KAP Gene Domain on Human Chromosome 21 in Fond Memory of Dr. Peter Steinert

research Hair Keratin Associated Proteins: Characterization of a Second High Sulfur KAP Gene Domain on Human Chromosome 21 in Fond Memory of Dr. Peter Steinert

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.

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199 citations , January 2004 in “The International Journal of Developmental Biology”

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research Characterization of a First Domain of Human High Glycine-Tyrosine and High Sulfur Keratin-Associated Protein Genes on Chromosome 21q22.1

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.

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research Characterization of a Cluster of Human High/Ultrahigh Sulfur Keratin-Associated Protein Genes Embedded in the Type I Keratin Gene Domain on Chromosome 17q12-21

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.

research The role of keratin proteins and their genes in the growth, structure and properties of hair

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research Structure and biochemistry of mammalian hard keratin

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