Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Generation of Integration-free Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Hair-derived Keratinocytes
Published on: August 20, 2015
Human hair keratin-associated proteins (KAPs)
Michael A Rogers1, Lutz Langbein, Silke Praetzel-Wunder
1Section of Normal and Neoplastic Epidermal Differentiation, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
This review details human hair keratin-associated proteins (KAPs), their genes, and expression. It explores KAP variations and their potential roles in hereditary hair diseases and abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Significant progress in identifying human hair follicle structural proteins, particularly keratins and keratin-associated proteins (KAPs), has been made.
- Research over the past decade has built upon decades of prior work in other species.
- Understanding KAPs is crucial for comprehending hair follicle structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and describe the known human KAP families, their genomic organization, and expression patterns.
- To explore polymorphic variations within human KAP genes.
- To investigate the potential involvement of KAP proteins in hereditary hair diseases and hair abnormalities observed in transgenic models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on human hair follicle structural proteins.
- Analysis of genomic organization and expression characteristics of KAP families.
- Examination of studies on KAP gene polymorphisms and their association with hair phenotypes, including transgenic mouse models.
Main Results:
- Comprehensive overview of human KAP families, their genetic makeup, and how they are expressed.
- Identification of polymorphic variations in human KAP genes.
- Evidence suggesting a role for KAPs in hereditary hair disorders and hair abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Human KAP genes and proteins are key structural components of the hair follicle.
- Variations in KAP genes may contribute to hereditary hair diseases.
- Further research into KAPs offers potential insights into hair development and pathology.
Related Concept Videos
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Cytoskeletal Linker Proteins - Plakins
Types of Intermediate Filaments
Hair Cells
Cytoskeletal Accessory Proteins

