KRT4 Gene Summary [Human]

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the keratin gene family. The type II cytokeratins consist of basic or neutral proteins which are arranged in pairs of heterotypic keratin chains coexpressed during differentiation of simple and stratified epithelial tissues. This type II cytokeratin is specifically expressed in differentiated layers of the mucosal and esophageal epithelia with family member KRT13. Mutations in these genes have been associated with White Sponge Nevus, characterized by oral, esophageal, and anal leukoplakia. The type II cytokeratins are clustered in a region of chromosome 12q12-q13. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Details

Type
Protein Coding
Official Symbol
KRT4
Official Name
keratin 4 [Source:HGNC Symbol;Acc:HGNC:6441]
Ensembl ID
ENSG00000170477
Bio databases IDs NCBI: 3851 Ensembl: ENSG00000170477
Aliases keratin 4, cytokeratin 4, keratin, type II cytoskeletal 4
Synonyms CK-4, CYK4, K4, Kb4, keratin 4, KRT2-4, WSN1
Species
Human, Homo sapiens
OrthologiesRat

Protein Domains

A protein domain is a distinct structural or functional region within a protein that can evolve, function, and exist independently of the rest of the protein chain. These domains in human KRT4 often fold into stable, three-dimensional structures and are associated with specific biological functions, such as binding to DNA, other proteins, or small molecules.
  • protein binding
  • Intermediate filament protein
  • Keratin type II head

Pathways

Biological processes and signaling networks where the KRT4 gene in human plays a role, providing insight into its function and relevance in health or disease.

Top Findings

The most significant associations for this gene, including commonly observed domains, pathway involvement, and functional highlights based on current data.
disease
  • esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
  • esophageal squamous cell cancer
  • white sponge nevus 1
  • tinnitus
regulated by
role in cell
  • organization

Subcellular Expression

Locations within the cell where the protein is known or predicted to be active, providing insight into its function and cellular context.
  • Cytoplasm
  • intermediate filament cytoskeleton
  • cell surface
  • cytosol
  • keratin intermediate filaments

Gene Ontology Annotations

Describes the biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions associated with the human KRT4 gene, providing context for its role in the cell.

Biological Process

Functions and activities the gene product is involved in
  • epithelial cell differentiation
  • cytoskeleton organization
  • negative regulation of epithelial cell proliferation
  • keratinization
  • intermediate filament organization

Cellular Component

Where in the cell the gene product is active
  • nucleus
  • keratin filament
  • intermediate filament cytoskeleton
  • cytosol
  • intermediate filament
  • cell surface

Molecular Function

What the gene product does at the molecular level
  • structural constituent of epidermis
  • protein binding

Gene-Specific Assays for Results You Can Trust

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