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The new keratin nomenclature
1Department of Dermatology, Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff University, United Kingdom. porterrm@cf.ac.uk
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|October 17, 2006
Summary
The keratin protein family has expanded significantly, with 54 genes now identified compared to the initial 19. A revised nomenclature is necessary to logically incorporate these new hair follicle keratins.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genomics
- Proteomics
Background:
- The initial keratin nomenclature identified only 19 keratin proteins over two decades ago.
- Human genome sequencing has dramatically increased the known keratin count to 54 genes.
Discussion:
- The discovery of numerous new keratin genes necessitates a re-evaluation of the existing nomenclature.
- A systematic approach is required to integrate the newly identified hair follicle keratins.
Key Insights:
- The keratin protein family is larger and more complex than previously understood.
- The human genome holds 54 keratin genes, significantly more than the original 19.
- Hair follicle keratins represent a substantial portion of the newly identified genes.
Outlook:
- A revised keratin nomenclature will provide a standardized framework for research.
- Future studies will benefit from a clear and comprehensive classification of all keratin proteins.
- This revision will facilitate a deeper understanding of keratin function in various tissues, including the hair follicle.
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