Keratin 17

Keratin 17 (KRT17) is a type of keratin, a group of fibrous structural proteins that are key components of the epithelial cells in animals. It is encoded by the KRT17 gene in humans. Keratin 17 is primarily expressed in the hair follicles, nails, and glands of the skin. It plays a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of various skin appendages.

Structure

Keratin 17 is a type I cytokeratin, one of the two types of keratins. It is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KRT17 gene. The structure of keratin 17 is similar to other keratins, consisting of a central alpha-helical rod domain flanked by non-helical head and tail domains.

Function

Keratin 17 has several important functions. It is involved in wound healing and helps to regulate epithelial cell growth. It also plays a role in the formation of hair follicles and nails, and the development of glands in the skin.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the KRT17 gene or the keratin 17 protein can lead to a variety of skin disorders. These include pachyonychia congenita, a condition characterized by thickened nails and painful blisters on the skin, and Steatocystoma multiplex, a condition characterized by the development of multiple skin cysts. Keratin 17 has also been implicated in several types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and cervical cancer.

See also

• Keratin
• Epithelial cells
• Pachyonychia congenita
• Steatocystoma multiplex