Keratinocyte Associated Protein 3 (KRTCAP3)

KRTCAP3, Belongs to the TMEM54 family. Expressed in skin, pancreas and keratinocytes. Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the human skin, constituting 95% of the cells found there. Those keratinocytes found in the basal layer of the skin are sometimes referred to as "basal cells" or "basal keratinocytes". The primary function of keratinocytes is the formation of the keratin layer that protects the skin and the underlying tissue from environmental damage such as heat, UV radiation and water loss. This layer is formed through a process called keratinization or cornification, in which the keratinocytes produce more and more keratin and eventually undergo programmed cell death. The fully cornified keratinocytes that form the outermost layer are constantly shed off and replaced by new cells.