KRT10

KRT10 (pronounced as "kay-are-tee-ten"), also known as Keratin 10, is a type of protein that in humans is encoded by the KRT10 gene.

Etymology

The term "KRT10" is an abbreviation for "Keratin 10". The word "Keratin" is derived from the Greek word "κέρας" (keras), meaning "horn". This is in reference to the protein's structural role in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails.

Function

KRT10 is a member of the keratin family, the most diverse group of intermediate filaments. This protein is involved in maintaining the structural integrity of epithelial cells and has been associated with epidermolysis bullosa simplex, a rare genetic condition that causes the skin to become fragile.

Related Terms

• Protein: Large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. They do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.
• Gene: The basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes are made up of DNA and act as instructions to make molecules called proteins.
• Keratin: A type of protein that is a key structural material making up the outer layer of human skin. It is also the key structural component of hair and nails.
• Epithelial cells: Cells that line the surfaces of the body. They form the skin and also line all cavities of the body.
• Epidermolysis bullosa simplex: A rare genetic condition that causes the skin to become fragile and blister easily.

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