Required for the formation of keratin intermediate filaments in the basal epidermis and maintenance of the skin barrier in response to mechanical stress (By similarity). Regulates the recruitment of Langerhans cells to the epidermis, potentially by modulation of the abundance of macrophage chemotactic cytokines, macrophage inflammatory cytokines and CTNND1 localization in keratinocytes (By similarity);Epidermis-specific type I keratin involved in wound healing. Involved in the activation of follicular keratinocytes after wounding, while it does not play a major role in keratinocyte proliferation or migration. Participates in the regulation of epithelial migration by inhibiting the activity of SRC during wound repair.
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Cellular Localization:
Cytoplasm .
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Tissue Expression:
Expressed in corneal epithelium (at protein level) (PubMed:26758872). Expressed in keratinocytes (at protein level) (PubMed:20128788, PubMed:31302245);Expressed in the corneal epithelium (at protein level);Constitutively expressed in distinct types of epithelia such as those in oral mucosa, esophagus, papillae of tongue and hair follicle outer root sheath;Constitutively expressed in distinct types of epithelia such as those in oral mucosa, esophagus, papillae of tongue and hair follicle outer root sheath.