Keratin 6a (KRT6A) ELISA Kit for Human

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the keratin gene family. The type II cytokeratins consist of basic or neutral proteins which are arranged in pairs of heterotypic keratin chains coexpressed during differentiation of simple and stratified epithelial tissues. As many as six of this type II cytokeratin (KRT6) have been identified; the multiplicity of the genes is attributed to successive gene duplication events. The genes are expressed with family members KRT16 and/or KRT17 in the filiform papillae of the tongue, the stratified epithelial lining of oral mucosa and esophagus, the outer root sheath of hair follicles, and the glandular epithelia. This KRT6 gene in particular encodes the most abundant isoform. Mutations in these genes have been associated with pachyonychia congenita. The type II cytokeratins are clustered in a region of chromosome 12q12-q13. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

K6a: a type II cytoskeletal keratin. The keratins are intermediate filament proteins responsible for the structural integrity of epithelial cells and are subdivided into cytokeratins and hair keratins. There are two types of cytoskeletal and microfibrillar keratin: type I (acidic; 40-55 kDa) [K9 to K20] and type II (neutral to basic; 56-70 kDa) [K1 to K8]. Both a basic and an acidic keratin are required for filament assembly. Associates with K16 and/or -17.

Protein type: Cytoskeletal

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 12q13.13

Cellular Component: membrane; keratin filament; nucleus

Molecular Function: protein binding; structural constituent of cytoskeleton

Biological Process: wound healing; positive regulation of cell proliferation; morphogenesis of an epithelium; cell differentiation

Disease: Pachyonychia Congenita 3