KRT6A

Structural component of intermediate filaments in epithelial keratinocytes. Forms heteropolymers with the type I keratins KRT16 and KRT17, assembling into keratin intermediate filament networks that contribute to the structural integrity and stress resilience of stratified epithelia, particularly in epidermis, nail bed and oral mucosa. Rapidly induced in wound-edge keratinocytes and participates in cytoskeletal reorganization during re-epithelialization (By similarity). Negatively regulates collective keratinocyte migration by stabilizing non-muscle myosin MYH9 and desmoplakin, thereby altering cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion and reducing the speed and directionality of epithelial sheet movement during wound repair (By similarity). Also limits epithelial migration by inhibiting SRC activity during wound repair (By similarity). Required for normal plantar and nail unit integrity..

Function from UniProtKB (P02538), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.