Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Characterization of In Vitro Differentiation of Human Primary Keratinocytes by RNA-Seq Analysis
Published on: May 16, 2020
Characterization and expression analysis of the hair keratin associated protein KAP26.1
M A Rogers1, L Langbein, S Praetzel-Wunder
1Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. m.rogers@dkfz.de
Background:
Human hair follicle keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) comprise a large multigene family of proteins thought to be responsible for the bundling of keratin intermediate filaments. Recently, four new KAP family members KAP24.1, KAP25.1, KAP26.1 and KAP27.1 were identified from the genome, but the expression of only one, KAP24.1, was investigated and shown in hair follicles.
Objectives:
In the current study, the expression of the remaining members of the family were analysed.
Methods:
Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of samples from numerous human organs was used.
Results:
Only KAP26.1 showed expression, which was limited to the hair follicle. By in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry using a specific antiserum, KAP26.1 was localized to the differentiated portion of the hair cuticle.
Conclusions:
As well as KAP24.1 in hair follicles, expression of KAP26.1 was shown and is found in the differentiated part of the hair cuticle.
More Related Videos
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...
Cytoskeletal Linker Proteins - Plakins
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Types of Intermediate Filaments
Disassembly of Intermediate Filaments
Keratin proteins, found at the cell periphery near cell junctions, undergo a cycle of assembly and disassembly. In Type...

