askvity

Is DNA in Keratin?

Published in DNA Extraction 2 mins read

No, DNA is not directly in keratin. Keratin is a structural protein forming the main component of hair, skin, and nails. While these tissues contain cells that do have DNA, the DNA is within the cells, not within the keratin protein itself. Keratin's role is structural; it provides strength and protection.

Understanding the Confusion

The confusion may arise from the fact that DNA can be extracted from keratinous tissues like hair and nails. This is because these tissues contain cells, and those cells possess DNA. The extraction process separates the DNA from the cells and the surrounding keratin.

  • Reference: Keratinous tissues such as nail, hair, horn, scales and feather have been used as a source of DNA for over 20 years. (20-Jan-2012) This demonstrates the ability to obtain DNA from keratin-rich tissues, but not that the DNA is a component of the keratin protein itself.

  • Reference: DNA extracted from keratinous and chitinous materials can be a useful source of genetic information. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22237520/) This further clarifies that DNA is found in association with keratin, not within the keratin molecule.

  • Reference: The keratin in our hair fibers are long, tough proteins that typically do not contain DNA. (https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/lifestyle/family/2018/10/09/how-does-our-hair-contain/9605125007/) This explicitly states that keratin itself does not contain DNA.

The term "keratin DNA treatment" used in some commercial products (https://www.simonehair.com/product/keratin-dna-treatment/) is a marketing term and does not imply that DNA is an inherent part of the keratin structure.

Keratin's Structure and Function

Keratin is a fibrous structural protein, forming strong, insoluble fibers. Its primary role is to provide mechanical strength and protection to tissues like hair, nails, and skin. The various keratin types (KRT1, KRT5, KRT14, KRT17, KRT18 etc., found in numerous gene entries within NCBI's GenBank: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/) demonstrate its diverse roles across various epidermal tissues.

Related Articles