KRT17 : keratin 17
Description
The KRT17 (keratin 17) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.
The KRT17 gene provides instructions for producing keratin 17 (K17), a tough, fibrous protein that forms the structural framework of certain cells, particularly those found in the skin, hair, nails, and similar tissues. K17 is produced in the nails, hair follicles, and the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is also found in the skin's sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair. K17 pairs with a similar protein, keratin 6b, to form keratin intermediate filaments, which assemble into dense networks that provide strength and resilience to the skin, nails, and other tissues. These networks protect these tissues from damage caused by friction and other physical stresses. K17 is also involved in wound healing.
KRT17 plays a crucial role in hair growth and development, influencing hair shape and orientation. It's essential for the maintenance of the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and modulates the activity of TNF-alpha in this process. KRT17 regulates protein synthesis and epithelial cell growth through its interaction with the adapter protein SFN and activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway. It contributes to tissue repair and may serve as a marker for basal cell differentiation in complex epithelia, potentially indicating the presence of specific epithelial stem cells. KRT17 promotes epithelial proliferation by regulating the immune response in the skin, fostering a Th1/Th17-dominated environment that may contribute to the development of basaloid skin tumors. It can act as an autoantigen in psoriasis, where specific peptide regions are targets for autoreactive T-cells, potentially leading to their proliferation.
KRT17 is also known as 39.1, CK-17, K17, PC, PC2, PCHC1.
