KRT12
KRT12 (keratin 12, also known as K12) is a type I intermediate filament protein expressed in the corneal epithelium. It partners with the type II keratin KRT3 to build filament networks that give the corneal epithelial layer its mechanical strength. Browse Assay Genie's current range of KRT12 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
KRT12 is a structural component of intermediate filaments in the corneal epithelium. It forms heteropolymers with the type II keratin KRT3, and these pairs assemble into keratin intermediate filament networks. The networks provide mechanical strength and structural integrity to the corneal epithelial layer, so the KRT12 protein is a useful marker when studying corneal epithelial structure.
The KRT12 gene encodes the type I intermediate filament chain keratin 12, and the protein is expressed in corneal epithelia. UniProt places it in the intermediate filament family, and HGNC classifies it in the type I keratin gene group. Mouse and rat each have a Krt12 ortholog, which allows comparative work in common model species.
The gene was previously listed as keratin 12, type I, and is also referred to as K12. Mutations in KRT12 lead to Meesmann corneal dystrophy, which ties the gene directly to corneal disease. This makes keratin 12 a relevant target for researchers studying keratin filament assembly, corneal epithelial integrity and inherited disorders of the cornea. Work on KRT12 often considers its obligate partner KRT3, since the two chains function together as a pair.
KRT12 is expressed in corneal epithelia, making it a relevant target for studying the cell layer that forms the outer surface of the cornea.
KRT12 pairs with the type II keratin KRT3 to form heteropolymers, providing a model for keratin network assembly.
Mutations in KRT12 lead to Meesmann corneal dystrophy, so the gene is central to research on this inherited corneal disorder.
Keratin networks containing KRT12 provide mechanical strength and structural integrity to the corneal epithelial layer.
KRT12 is a structural component of intermediate filaments in the corneal epithelium. It forms heteropolymers with the type II keratin KRT3, and these assemble into keratin filament networks that provide mechanical strength and structural integrity to the corneal epithelial layer.
KRT12 is the HGNC symbol for keratin 12, with K12 as an alias. The previous name was keratin 12, type I, and UniProt lists the protein as keratin, type I cytoskeletal 12. HGNC places it in the type I keratin group.
Mutations in KRT12 lead to Meesmann corneal dystrophy. Mouse and rat both have a Krt12 ortholog, so rodent models can be used in studies of this gene. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other type I and type II keratins and intermediate filament proteins with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q99456; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.