KRT35 encodes keratin 35, a hair-specific intermediate filament protein that plays a crucial role in hair shaft structure and follicle development. KRT35 is expressed in specific zones of hair follicles during the anagen (growth) phase, with transcription occurring in a spatially organized pattern from the germinal matrix outward 1. The protein forms dimers with other keratins, such as KRT85, through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding, contributing to the structural integrity of hair fibers 2. KRT35 expression is regulated by transcription factors like HOXC13, and its downregulation occurs in Hoxc13 knockout models that exhibit hairless phenotypes 3. In disease contexts, KRT35 shows altered expression patterns in alopecia areata, with significant upregulation following corticosteroid treatment 4. The gene also demonstrates differentiation-specific expression in basal cell carcinomas, reflecting the tumor's hair follicle origin 5. Additionally, KRT35 exhibits accelerated evolution in hairless mammalian species, suggesting its importance in hair-related phenotypic variation across species 6. Beyond hair biology, KRT35 has forensic applications, as its RNA polymorphisms can be used for human identification from hair shaft samples 7.