A Group of Type I Keratin Genes on Human Chromosome 17: Characterization and Expression
February 1988
in “
Molecular and Cellular Biology
”
Studysummary This study found that despite strong homology between two K16 genes, only one encoded a functional protein that assembled into keratin filaments in epithelial cells, possibly due to promoter strength differences. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study characterized type I keratin genes K16 and K14 on human chromosome 17, finding two genes for K16 and three for K14 in distinct clusters. These genes showed high homology, particularly the K16 genes, which shared similarities in coding sequences and surrounding regions. However, only one K16 gene produced a functional protein capable of forming keratin filaments, likely due to a stronger promoter. The functional K16 gene was confirmed to be responsible for K16 expression in human tissues using a specific polyclonal antiserum.
