KRT3

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 the corneal epithelium with family member KRT12 and mutations in these genes have been associated with Meesmann's Corneal Dystrophy. The type II cytokeratins are clustered in a region of chromosome 12q12-q13. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Full Name

Keratin 3

Biological Process

Epithelial cell differentiationISS:UniProtKB
Intermediate filament cytoskeleton organizationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:UniProtKB

Cellular Location

Cytosol
Extracellular exosome
Intermediate filament
Keratin filament

Involvement in disease

Corneal dystrophy, Meesmann 2 (MECD2):
A form of Meesmann corneal dystrophy, a corneal disease characterized by fragility of the anterior corneal epithelium. Histological examination shows a disorganized and thickened epithelium with widespread cytoplasmic vacuolation and numerous small, round, debris-laden intraepithelial cysts. Patients are usually asymptomatic until adulthood when rupture of the corneal microcysts may cause erosions, producing clinical symptoms such as photophobia, contact lens intolerance and intermittent diminution of visual acuity. Rarely, subepithelial scarring causes irregular corneal astigmatism and permanent visual impairment. MECD2 inheritance is autosomal dominant.