kerAencoded

kerAencoded is a term used in genetic and protein annotation to denote a protein product encoded by the kerA gene. In genomic databases and scientific literature, kerAencoded proteins are described as keratinases produced by certain keratin-degrading microorganisms. The kerA gene is found in a range of bacteria and fungi capable of utilizing keratin as a carbon and nitrogen source. The kerAencoded keratinases are typically secreted extracellular proteases, often belonging to the subtilisin-like family, though sequence and biochemical properties can vary across species.

Functionally, the kerAencoded keratinase catalyzes the hydrolysis of keratin, enabling degradation of keratin-rich materials such as feathers, hair, and nails. This activity has attracted interest for applications in waste valorization, animal feed production, and industrial processing, including pretreatment of keratinous waste and leather processing. Expression of kerAencoded proteins is generally regulated by environmental keratin availability, with higher expression observed when keratin is present. Structural features commonly observed in kerAencoded enzymes include a signal peptide for secretion, a catalytic serine protease motif, and propeptide regions that are removed during maturation.

Nomenclature can vary, and some studies refer to the enzyme itself as KerA keratinase, while the corresponding gene product is labeled kerAencoded in annotation records to distinguish the gene from the protein. See also kerA gene, keratinase, subtilisin-like proteases, keratin degradation.