Epithelial Keratin-Related

Epithelial keratin-related proteins are a protein system specifically expressed in epithelial tissues and involved in cell structure maintenance and tissue barrier function, encompassing keratin intermediate filament proteins and their related linking molecules. They provide mechanical strength to epithelial cells and maintain the integrity and toughness of epithelial tissues such as skin, mucosa, and glands, playing a barrier protective role against physical damage and pathogen invasion; their mutations are closely associated with various skin and hair diseases.