Description
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 co-expressed 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 Meesmanns Corneal Dystrophy.KRT3/2542 recognizes the 64kD polypeptide/keratin K3 (cytokeratin 3) of rabbit corneal epithelium and keratin K76 (cytokeratin K2p) of palate epithelium. As such represents an excellent marker for studying corneal epithelial-type differentiation. Also recognizes bovine snout and lip epithelium, as well as a rabbit corneal cell line