Keratin 6C "chromosome" 12q. Keratin 6A and keratin 6B are encoded by the neighbouring genes, which are identical in intron-exon organization to "KRT6C" and are more than 99% identical in their DNA coding sequences. Mutations in K6C have been identified as being able to cause diffuse and focal palmoplantar keratodermas. This has been identified as a form of Pachyonychia congenita. Keratin 6C Keratin 6C (protein name K6C; gene name "KRT6C"), is a type II cytokeratin, one of a number of isoforms of keratin 6 encoded by separate genes located within the type II keratin gene cluster on human chromosome 12q. This gene
Alpha-keratin of most biological importance of alpha-keratin is its structural stability. When exposed to mechanical stress, α-keratin structures can retain their shape and therefore can protect what they surround. Under high tension, alpha-keratin can even change into beta-keratin, a stronger keratin formation that has a secondary structure of beta-pleated sheets. Alpha-keratin tissues also show signs of viscoelasticity, allowing them to both be able to stretch and absorb impact to a degree, though they are not impervious to fracture. Alpha-keratin strength is also affected by water content in the intermediate filament matrix; higher water content decreases the strength and stiffness of the