KRT14

Structural component of intermediate filaments in basal keratinocytes of stratified epithelia. Forms heteropolymers with type II keratin KRT5, contributing to the keratin intermediate filament network that confers mechanical strength and structural integrity to the basal layer of the epidermis and other stratified epithelial. The nonhelical tail domain is involved in promoting KRT5-KRT14 filaments to self-organize into large bundles and enhances the mechanical properties involved in resilience of keratin intermediate filaments in vitro. Displays an antagonist role with KRT15 in basal epithelial cells, where KRT14 promotes cell differentiation while KRT15 maintains the progenitor state and promotes proliferation and clonogenicity. Promotes cell differentiation by retaining YAP1 in the cytoplasm of basal keratinocytes via regulatory residue C367 and stratifin/SNF interaction. Contributes to airway basal cell differentiation after injury..

Function from UniProtKB (P02533), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.