KRT7
Description
The KRT7 (keratin 7) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 7, also known as cytokeratin-7 (CK-7), keratin-7 (K7), or sarcolectin (SCL), is a protein encoded by the KRT7 gene. It is a type II keratin specifically expressed in the simple epithelia lining the cavities of the internal organs, gland ducts, and blood vessels. It belongs to the keratin gene family, with type II cytokeratins composed of basic or neutral proteins arranged in pairs of heterotypic keratin chains. These chains are coexpressed during the differentiation of simple and stratified epithelial tissues. Genes encoding type II cytokeratins are clustered on chromosome 12q12-q13. Alternative splicing may produce several transcript variants, though not all have been fully characterized. Keratin-7 is found in simple glandular epithelia and transitional epithelium. Epithelial cells of the lung and breast contain keratin-7, but it is absent in other glandular epithelia, such as those of the colon and prostate.
KRT7 is also known as CK7, K2C7, K7, SCL.
