KRTAP10-8 Activators

Keratin-associated protein 10-8 (KRTAP10-8) is part of a larger group of keratin-associated proteins (KAPs), which play an essential role in the structure and mechanical properties of hair fibers. KRTAP10-8, encoded by the KRTAP10-8 gene, belongs to the high-sulfur KAP subfamily, characterized by their high cysteine content, which allows for the formation of disulfide bonds. These bonds are critical for the integrity and resilience of the hair shaft as they establish a network of cross-links between keratin intermediate filaments.

KRTAP10-8 is specifically localized in the hair follicles where it contributes to the formation of the hair cortex, the thick middle layer of the hair shaft responsible for its strength. The interaction between KRTAP10-8 and other KAPs, as well as the keratin intermediate filaments, helps to create a rigid and resistant structure, enabling the hair fiber to withstand physical stress and chemical insults.The expression of KRTAP10-8, along with other KAPs, is tightly regulated during the hair growth cycle, and alterations in this regulation can lead to changes in hair texture and strength. Genetic polymorphisms in the KRTAP10-8 gene can influence hair properties, such as curliness, thickness, and manageability, contributing to the wide variety of human hair phenotypes observed across different ethnicities.