May 2025 in “Journal of Developmental Biology” This study reports that KRTAP-like proteins, which resemble keratin-associated proteins found in mammals, are also present in the cornified teeth of various lamprey species, suggesting these proteins may serve similar functions in skin appendages across different vertebrates despite independent evolutionary origins.
22 citations
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July 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” This study identified and characterized a gene called 4C32, which is expressed in the periderm of embryonic mouse skin and has a structure similar to keratin-associated proteins.
161 citations
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June 1993 in “Journal of Biological Chemistry” This study suggests that human trichohyalin may function as a flexible rod linking keratin intermediate filaments and as a scaffold protein in hair follicle and epidermis cell envelopes.
65 citations
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September 2014 in “BMC genomics” This research found that variations in the KRTAP gene family are likely responsible for the diverse hair phenotypes seen among mammals, influenced by gene repertoire differences, expression, and evolutionary factors.
9 citations
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December 2018 in “Journal of Natural Fibers” This study found that K33A was significantly upregulated in lustrous Magra wool follicles, while other keratin and KAP genes showed downregulation, impacting wool's physical properties like luster.