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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/krt6c/

KRT6C gene

keratin 6C

Normal Function

The KRT6C gene provides instructions for making a protein called keratin 6c or K6c. Keratins are a group of tough, fibrous proteins that form the structural framework of certain cells, particularly cells that make up the skin, hair, and nails. Keratin 6c is found in the skin, although it is unknown which other tissues may produce this protein.

Keratin 6c is a component of molecules called keratin intermediate filaments. These filaments assemble into dense networks that provide strength and resilience to the skin, nails, and other tissues. Networks of keratin intermediate filaments protect these tissues from being damaged by friction and other everyday physical stresses.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Pachyonychia congenita

At least four mutations in the KRT6C gene have been found to cause pachyonychia congenita, a rare condition that primarily affects the nails and skin. In most cases, this condition becomes apparent within the first few months of life.

One of the mutations associated with pachyonychia congenita changes a single protein building block (amino acid) in the keratin 6c protein. Specifically, this mutation replaces the amino acid glutamic acid with the amino acid lysine at protein position 472 (written as Glu472Lys or E472K). The other KRT6C gene mutations delete one or more amino acids from the keratin 6c protein.

All of the known KRT6C gene mutations alter the structure of keratin 6c and interfere with the assembly of the keratin intermediate filament network. Without this network, skin cells become fragile and are easily damaged, making the skin less resistant to friction and minor trauma. Even normal activities such as walking can cause skin cells to break down, resulting in the formation of severe, painful blisters and calluses. Additionally, fragile skin cells may abnormally produce more keratin in response to damage, which makes the skin problems worse. Defective keratin 6c also disrupts the growth and function of other tissues, such as the hair follicles and nails, which explains why the signs and symptoms of pachyonychia congenita can also affect these other parts of the body.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • CK-6C
  • CK-6E
  • cytokeratin-6C
  • cytokeratin-6E
  • K2C6C_HUMAN
  • K6C
  • K6E
  • keratin 6C, type II
  • keratin 6E
  • keratin K6h
  • keratin, type II cytoskeletal 6C
  • keratin-6C
  • KRT6E
  • type-II keratin Kb12

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Akasaka E, Nakano H, Nakano A, Toyomaki Y, Takiyoshi N, Rokunohe D, Nishikawa Y, Korekawa A, Matsuzaki Y, Mitsuhashi Y, Sawamura D. Diffuse and focal palmoplantar keratoderma can be caused by a keratin 6c mutation. Br J Dermatol. 2011 Dec;165(6):1290-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10552.x. Citation on PubMed
  • Bowden PE. Mutations in a keratin 6 isomer (K6c) cause a type of focal palmoplantar keratoderma. J Invest Dermatol. 2010 Feb;130(2):336-8. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.395. Citation on PubMed
  • Takahashi K, Paladini RD, Coulombe PA. Cloning and characterization of multiple human genes and cDNAs encoding highly related type II keratin 6 isoforms. J Biol Chem. 1995 Aug 4;270(31):18581-92. doi: 10.1074/jbc.270.31.18581. Citation on PubMed
  • Wilson NJ, Messenger AG, Leachman SA, O'Toole EA, Lane EB, McLean WH, Smith FJ. Keratin K6c mutations cause focal palmoplantar keratoderma. J Invest Dermatol. 2010 Feb;130(2):425-9. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.215. Epub 2009 Jul 16. Citation on PubMed
  • Wilson NJ, O'Toole EA, Milstone LM, Hansen CD, Shepherd AA, Al-Asadi E, Schwartz ME, McLean WH, Sprecher E, Smith FJ. The molecular genetic analysis of the expanding pachyonychia congenita case collection. Br J Dermatol. 2014 Aug;171(2):343-55. doi: 10.1111/bjd.12958. Epub 2014 Aug 6. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.