Based on limited published evidence, KRTAP3-1 (keratin-associated protein 3-1) functions in hair structure formation within the hair cortex. According to UniProt annotations, KRTAP3-1 is embedded in the interfilamentary matrix of hair keratin intermediate filaments and participates in extensive disulfide bond cross-linking with cysteine residues of hair keratins, essential for creating rigid and resistant hair shafts. KRTAP3-1 exhibits protein binding activity and localizes to the cytosol. Gene co-expression analysis identified KRTAP3-1 as a candidate hub gene involved in hair follicle cycle development in cashmere goats 1, and revealed it shares regulatory elements with other KRTAP family members in skin tissue 2.
No tissue expression data available for this gene.