TLDR K6hf is a unique protein found only in a specific layer of hair follicles.
Researchers identified a novel human type II cytokeratin, named K6hf, specifically expressed in the companion layer of the hair follicle. This cytokeratin, comprising 251 amino acids, showed high sequence homology with K5 and comigrated with K6 in western blots. K6hf was exclusively found in the companion layer, a distinct band of cells between the outer and inner root sheaths of the hair follicle. The study also indicated that K17 and K16 are expressed sequentially after K6hf in companion cells, suggesting that K6hf has a unique type I partner yet to be identified. This discovery highlighted the companion layer as a biochemically and morphologically distinct compartment within the hair follicle.
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.
55 citations,
May 1995 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” 745 citations,
February 1992 in “Trends in genetics” Hair follicles create different cell layers and proteins, controlled by various molecules.
139 citations,
July 1991 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Understanding hair follicle anatomy helps diagnose hair disorders.
356 citations,
December 1986 in “The journal of cell biology/The Journal of cell biology” Hair and nail cells share similar proteins, indicating a common differentiation pathway.
86 citations,
May 2002 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” A new keratin, hK6irs1, is found in all layers of the hair follicle's inner root sheath.
3 citations,
March 2023 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Keratin protein production in cells is controlled by a complex system that changes with cell type, health, and conditions like injury or cancer.
30 citations,
February 2010 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Plet-1 protein helps hair follicle cells move and stick to tissues.
70 citations,
December 2004 in “Differentiation” The study identified and characterized new keratin genes linked to hair follicles and epithelial tissues.
23 citations,
December 2020 in “Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology” Gene network oscillations inside hair stem cells are key for hair growth regulation and could help treat hair loss.
