May regulate the activity of kinases such as PKC and SRC via binding to integrin beta-1 (ITB1) and the receptor of activated protein kinase C (RACK1/GNB2L1).

The source of this protein is neonatal foreskin. The 67-kDa type II keratins are expressed in terminally differentiating epidermis.

Defects in KRT1 are a cause of bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (BCIE) [MIM:113800]; also known as epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EHK) or bullous erythroderma ichthyosiformis congenita of Brocq. BCIE is an autosomal dominant skin disorder characterized by widespread blistering and an ichthyotic erythroderma at birth that persist into adulthood. Histologically there is a diffuse epidermolytic degeneration in the lower spinous layer of the epidermis. Within a few weeks from birth, erythroderma and blister formation diminish and hyperkeratoses develop.
Defects in KRT1 are the cause of ichthyosis hystrix Curth-Macklin type (IHCM) [MIM:146590]. IHCM is a genodermatosis with severe verrucous hyperkeratosis. Affected individuals manifest congenital verrucous black scale on the scalp, neck, and limbs with truncal erythema, palmoplantar keratoderma and keratoses on the lips, ears, nipples and buttocks.
Defects in KRT1 are a cause of palmoplantar keratoderma non-epidermolytic (NEPPK) [MIM:600962]. NEPKK is a dermatological disorder characterized by focal palmoplantar keratoderma with oral, genital, and follicular lesions.
Defects in KRT1 are a cause of ichthyosis annular epidermolytic (AEI) [MIM:607602]; also known as cyclic ichthyosis with epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. AEI is a skin disorder resembling bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma. Affected individuals present with bullous ichthyosis in early childhood and hyperkeratotic lichenified plaques in the flexural areas and extensor surfaces at later ages. The feature that distinguishes AEI from BCIE is dramatic episodes of flares of annular polycyclic plaques with scale, which coalesce to involve most of the body surface and can persist for several weeks or even months.
Defects in KRT1 are the cause of palmoplantar keratoderma striate type 3 (SPPK3) [MIM:607654]; also known as keratosis palmoplantaris striata III. SPPK3 is a dermatological disorder affecting palm and sole skin where stratum corneum and epidermal layers are thickened. There is no involvement of non-palmoplantar skin, and both hair and nails are normal.

Belongs to the intermediate filament family.

Undergoes deimination of some arginine residues (citrullination).

Cell membrane. Located on plasma membrane of neuroblastoma NMB7 cells.