The Human Type I Keratin Gene Family: Characterization of New Hair Follicle Specific Members and Evaluation of the Chromosome 17q21.2 Gene Domain

December 2004 in “ Differentiation ”

Michael A. Rogers, Hermelita Winter, Lutz Langbein, Raphael Bleiler, Jürgen Schweizer

type I keratin keratin-associated protein K25irs1 K25irs2 K25irs3 K25irs4 Ka35 Ka36 K23 K24 inner root sheath hair follicles epithelial tissues keratin hair follicle keratin epithelial keratin

TLDR The study identified and characterized new keratin genes linked to hair follicles and epithelial tissues.

The study characterized the type I keratin gene family on chromosome 17q21.2, identifying 27 type I keratin genes and five pseudogenes within an 970 kb domain, which includes a 350 kb region with 32 keratin-associated protein genes. Six previously uncharacterized keratin genes (K25irs1-K25irs4, Ka35, and Ka36) were isolated and found to be associated with hair follicles, specifically the inner root sheath, while K23 and K24 were linked to epithelial tissues. The research confirmed that all 27 keratin genes in this domain have been characterized at the transcriptional level, suggesting a complete set of functional type I keratins in humans.

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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.

research Characterization of a First Domain of Human High Glycine-Tyrosine and High Sulfur Keratin-associated Protein (KAP) 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.

research Polymorphisms in the Human High Sulfur Hair Keratin-associated Protein 1, KAP1, Gene Family

48 citations , November 2002 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry”

Genetic variations in hair keratin proteins exist but don't significantly affect hair structure.

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 Catalog of Human Hair Keratins

235 citations , July 1999 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry”

Human hair is made up of different keratins, some strong and some weak, with specific types appearing at various stages of hair growth.

research A Novel Human Type II Cytokeratin, K6hf, Specifically Expressed in the Companion Layer of the Hair Follicle

139 citations , December 1998 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

K6hf is a unique protein found only in a specific layer of hair follicles.

research Characterization of a 190-Kilobase Pair Domain of Human Type I Hair Keratin Genes

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.