Human Hair Keratin-Associated Proteins

January 2006 in “ International review of cytology ”

Michael A. Rogers, Lutz Langbein, Silke Praetzel‐Wunder, Hermelita Winter, Jürgen Schweizer

TLDR Keratin-associated proteins are crucial for hair strength and structure.

The document reviewed the structure and function of human hair keratin-associated proteins (KAPs), which were essential components of the hair fiber. As of 2006, 85 KAP genes were identified in the human genome, categorized into five domains across four chromosomes. These genes were primarily active and produced proteins rich in cysteine or glycine-tyrosine. Specifically, 68 genes encoded high sulfur proteins, while 17 encoded high glycine-tyrosine proteins. The study emphasized the significance of KAPs in maintaining the structural integrity of hair, highlighting their expression patterns in the hair follicle and their role in hair keratin expression.

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Research cited in this study

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