Keratin

Keratin is a family of tough structural proteins that form intermediate filaments in epithelial cells. Its forms strengthen hair, nails, and the outer skin.

Intermediate filament: A rope-like cytoskeletal protein assembly that resists mechanical stress in cells. Keratin molecules assemble into these filaments, linking cellular architecture to tissue strength.
Type I keratin: An acidic keratin protein that pairs with a type II keratin to form intermediate filaments. Type I proteins are one half of the obligatory keratin pairing in epithelial cells.
Hair straightening: A set of cosmetic methods that alter hair shape to make it appear straighter. Some treatments reshape hair by changing bonds within its keratin fibers.
Collagen: A family of extracellular proteins that gives connective tissues tensile strength. Collagen strengthens connective tissue outside cells, unlike keratin’s intracellular filaments.
Epidermolysis bullosa simplex: An inherited skin-fragility disorder in which minor trauma can cause blistering. Variants in keratin genes can weaken basal epidermal cells and cause this disorder.
Keratin-associated protein: A protein that binds keratin fibers and helps organize or strengthen keratinized structures. These proteins cross-link hair keratin fibers and help determine hair’s physical properties.
Type II keratin: A basic or neutral keratin protein that pairs with a type I keratin to form intermediate filaments. Type II proteins partner with type I keratins to assemble the filament core.
Permanent wave: A hair treatment that chemically rearranges bonds to create a lasting curl pattern. The process exploits keratin’s disulfide bonds to reset hair shape.
Elastin: An extracellular protein that lets tissues stretch and recoil. Elastin provides elasticity, whereas keratin principally reinforces epithelial cells and protective structures.
Epidermolytic ichthyosis: An inherited skin disorder marked by blistering and thickened, scaling skin. Certain keratin gene variants disrupt epidermal structure and produce this phenotype.

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