Keratin 3

Keratin 3 (also known as KRT3) is a type of keratin protein that is specifically expressed in the corneal epithelium, a layer of cells that covers the front of the eye. This protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the corneal epithelium and is essential for normal vision.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Keratin 3 is a type of intermediate filament protein. Like all keratins, it is characterized by a central alpha-helical rod domain that is flanked by non-helical head (N-terminal) and tail (C-terminal) domains. The rod domain is responsible for the formation of coiled-coil dimers, the basic building blocks of the keratin filament network.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of Keratin 3 is to provide mechanical support to the corneal epithelial cells, helping them resist against mechanical stress. It also plays a role in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Mutations in the KRT3 gene can lead to corneal diseases such as Meesmann Corneal Dystrophy.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the KRT3 gene are associated with several corneal diseases. The most common is Meesmann Corneal Dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder characterized by small, bubble-like blisters in the corneal epithelium. Other diseases associated with KRT3 mutations include Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy and Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy.