KRT2
KRT2 (keratin 2, also known as KRTE and KRT2A) is a type II cytoskeletal keratin and a structural component of intermediate filaments in suprabasal keratinocytes of stratified epidermis. It pairs with type I keratins to build filament networks that support epidermal integrity. Browse Assay Genie's current range of KRT2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
KRT2 is a structural component of intermediate filaments in the suprabasal keratinocytes of stratified epidermis. It forms heteropolymers with type I keratins, such as KRT10, and these pairs assemble into keratin intermediate filament networks that support the mechanical integrity and resilience of the differentiating epidermis. KRT2 also contributes to terminal differentiation and cornification of keratinocytes and plays a role in establishing the epidermal barrier.
The KRT2 gene encodes a member of the keratin gene family and the protein belongs to the intermediate filament family. The type II cytokeratins are basic or neutral proteins arranged in pairs of heterotypic keratin chains that are coexpressed during differentiation of simple and stratified epithelial tissues. This type II cytokeratin is expressed largely in the upper spinous layer of epidermal keratinocytes, and the KRT2 protein is found in the cytoplasm. The type II cytokeratins are clustered together in a region of chromosome 12q12-q13. Mouse and rat both carry a Krt2 ortholog.
Mutations in the KRT2 gene have been associated with bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma. The gene was formerly named keratin 2A (epidermal ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens) and keratin 2, type II, and is classed by HGNC within the type II keratins. This makes KRT2 a useful marker for studying differentiation of the upper epidermal layers and the keratin pairing that underpins barrier formation.
KRT2 is expressed largely in the upper spinous layer of epidermal keratinocytes, making it relevant to studies of suprabasal differentiation.
KRT2 contributes to terminal differentiation, cornification and establishment of the epidermal barrier.
KRT2 heteropolymerises with type I keratins such as KRT10 to form filament networks that provide mechanical resilience.
Mutations in the KRT2 gene have been associated with bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, a focus for genodermatosis research.
KRT2 is a structural component of intermediate filaments in suprabasal keratinocytes of stratified epidermis. It forms heteropolymers with type I keratins such as KRT10, supports the mechanical integrity of differentiating epidermis, and contributes to cornification and establishment of the epidermal barrier.
KRT2 is also known as KRTE and KRT2A. Its full name is keratin 2, and UniProt lists the protein as keratin, type II cytoskeletal 2 epidermal. Earlier names include keratin 2A (epidermal ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens) and keratin 2, type II.
Mutations in the KRT2 gene have been associated with bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma. Orthologs named Krt2 exist in both mouse and rat. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other type I and type II keratins and epidermal differentiation markers with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P35908; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.