KRT7 Gene

KRT7 (Keratin 7) is a protein coding gene. Which is located on chromosome 12q13.13. The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the keratin family. An important paralog of this gene is KRT6B.

Type II keratins consist of basic or neutral proteins arranged in pairs of heterotypic keratin chains that are co-expressed during differentiation of simple and stratified epithelial tissues. Type II cytokeratin is specifically expressed in the simple epithelia lining the cavities of internal organs, as well as in glandular ducts and blood vessels.

The genes encoding type II keratins are clustered in a region of chromosome 12q12-q13. Type I keratins differ from type -II keratins by their size (40-57.5nm/53-67 nm) or by their charge (acidic/basic). Alternative splicing can result in multiple transcript variants; however, not all variants have been fully described.

Diseases associated with KRT7 include:

• Pseudomyxoma peritonei
• Signet ring cell adenocarcinoma.

Related metabolic pathways include cytoskeletal remodeling, neurofilaments, and keratinization.

Equivalent amounts of keratin I and II polymerize with each other by spontaneous parallel arrangement to form keratin dimers. These assemble in an antiparallel arrangement to form profilaments. Ultimately, 4-8nm diameter keratin filaments are formed, which are bundled tonofibrils about 25nm in diameter. The basal keratinocytes produce mainly keratin 14 and 5 and additionally type IV collagens, laminins and integrins. The basal membrane is thus a product of the epidermis.

1. Huang B et al. (2016) Long non-coding antisense RNA KRT7-AS is activated in gastric cancers and supports cancer cell progression by increasing KRT7 expression. Oncogene 35:4927-4936.
2. Li Y et al (2021) KRT7 Overexpression is Associated with Poor Prognosis and Immune Cell Infiltration in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Int J Gen Med 14:2677-2694.