Keratin 3
Encyclopedia
Keratin 3 also known as cytokeratin 3 is a protein
that in humans is encoded by the KRT3 gene
. Keratin 3 is a type II cytokeratin
. It is specifically found in the corneal epithelium
together with keratin 12
.
Mutations in the KRT3 encoding this protein have been associated with Meesmanns Corneal Dystrophy.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
that in humans is encoded by the KRT3 gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
. Keratin 3 is a type II cytokeratin
Type II cytokeratin
Type II keratins constitutes the Type II intermediate filaments of the intracytoplasmatic cytoskeleton, which is present in all mammalian epithelial cells...
. It is specifically found in the corneal epithelium
Corneal epithelium
The corneal epithelium is made up of epithelial tissue and covers the front of the cornea. It acts as a barrier to protect the cornea, resisting the free flow of fluids from the tears, and prevents bacteria from entering the epithelium and corneal stroma.The corneal epithelium consists of several...
together with keratin 12
Keratin 12
Keratin 12 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KRT12 gene.Keratin 12 is keratin found expressed in corneal epithelia. Mutations in the gene encoding this protein lead to Meesmann corneal dystrophy....
.
Mutations in the KRT3 encoding this protein have been associated with Meesmanns Corneal Dystrophy.