Human KAP Genes: Only Half of It? Extensive Size Polymorphisms in Hair Keratin-Associated Protein Genes
keratin-associated protein KAP genes ultrahigh sulfur KAP UHS-KAP high sulfur KAP HS-KAP high glycine-tyrosine KAP HGT-KAP genetic variability chromosomes 17 chromosomes 21 chromosomes 11 intragenic deletions intragenic duplications slipped strand mispairing DNA replication hair structure keratin protein KAP genetic differences chromosome 17 chromosome 21 chromosome 11 DNA errors hair
TLDR KAP genes show significant genetic variability, but its impact on hair traits is unclear.
The 2005 study investigated size polymorphisms in human keratin-associated protein (KAP) genes, essential for hair structure. Researchers identified 85 KAP gene loci on chromosomes 17, 21, and 11, divided into 21 families. They found significant genetic diversity, especially in the ultrahigh sulfur KAP4 gene, due to intragenic deletions or duplications, particularly in Japanese populations, suggesting a founder effect. Despite the complexity and number of KAP genes, the functional impact of these polymorphisms on hair structure was still unclear, necessitating further research to understand their effects across different populations.
