Keratin is a protein found in various parts of the body, primarily in skin, hair, and nails. It serves as a protective barrier and provides structural support for these tissues.
While keratin is a protein, it is not a hormone. Hormones are signaling molecules produced by glands and released into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions. Keratin, on the other hand, is a structural protein that forms a key component of tissues.
Here's a summary of key distinctions:
- Keratin: A protein, primarily found in skin, hair, and nails, providing structural support and protection.
- Hormone: A signaling molecule produced by glands, released into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions.
Several studies have examined the relationship between keratin and hormones, demonstrating how certain hormones like prolactin and estrogen can affect keratin production and expression. For example, the study "Novel FFPE proteomics method suggests prolactin induced protein..." mentions that prolactin activity affects keratins involved in cytoskeleton remodeling in specific cells. However, these studies highlight how hormones influence keratin, but they don't categorize keratin itself as a hormone.
