Keratin
Definition
The structural protein that forms pangolin scales, human fingernails, and bird feathers. In scales it is arranged in a layered matrix whose amino-acid sequence carries species-specific variation detectable by mass spectrometry.
- Structural role
- Fibrous protein that provides strength and form to hair, nails, horns, hooves, scales, and feathers
- Forensic markers
- Species-specific amino acid sequences detectable by mass spectrometry; distinctive microarchitecture patterns vary by animal type
- Wildlife forensics
- Critical for identifying illegal rhino horn and pangolin scale trafficking; also distinguishes cattle horn from rhino horn
Common questions
What is keratin and where is it found?+
Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that forms the basic material of hair, nails, hooves, feathers, and horns across many animal species. It's what gives these tissues their strength and shape. In humans, it's abundant in hair and fingernails. In wildlife, keratin makes up rhinoceros horn, pangolin scales, and cattle horn.
How do forensic scientists use keratin to identify animals?+
Keratin contains amino acids arranged in specific sequences that vary by species. Using mass spectrometry, investigators can detect these species-specific variations, especially in pangolin scales. Rhinoceros horn is identified by its unique tubular microarchitecture with no bone core, which distinguishes it from other horned-animal materials.
Can keratin testing identify human remains?+
Yes. Hair and nails contain keratin in distinctive patterns. While keratin alone isn't a definitive identifier, its structure and the way it's arranged help forensic experts distinguish human material from animal products and narrow down other evidence at a crime or wildlife trafficking scene.
Related terms
- DNA barcoding
- Identification of an unknown plant fragment by sequencing short standard genome regions (rbcL and matK for plants, ITS for fungi). Routinely used...
- Hair-shaft tubules
- Microscopic cylindrical structures running along the length of the horn, structurally analogous to hair follicles. Their diameter, packing density, and internal structure...
- LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry)
- An analytical workflow in which proteins or peptides are separated by chromatography and then identified by their mass-to-charge ratios. Used for pangolin...
- Minimum number of individuals (MNI)
- The smallest number of distinct individuals required to account for all skeletal elements present in an assemblage. Determined by identifying the element...
- Pseudo-hunting
- A laundering scheme in which foreign nationals are recruited to participate in ostensibly legal trophy hunts in southern Africa, then export the...
- RhODIS
- Rhino DNA Index System. A national STR database for rhinoceros individuals maintained at the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, University of Pretoria. Used to...
- Scale microstructure
- The internal and surface architecture of a pangolin scale visible under light microscopy or scanning electron microscopy, including ridge pattern, cross-section shape,...
- STR profiling
- Short tandem repeat profiling, the dominant DNA typing method in forensic laboratories. It measures the number of repeated sequences at multiple specific...
- TRAFFIC pangolin seizure database
- A compiled database of documented pangolin trade seizures maintained by TRAFFIC (the wildlife trade monitoring network), used to establish trade routes, source...
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)
- A secondary bile acid that is the major active component in bear bile, present at far higher concentrations than in most other...
Explained in these topics
- Rhinoceros Horn ForensicsThe fibrous structural protein that makes up rhinoceros horn, as well as human hair, nails, hooves, and cattle horn. Rhino horn is distinguished by having no b...
- Pangolin Scale ForensicsThe structural protein that forms pangolin scales, human fingernails, and bird feathers. In scales it is arranged in a layered matrix whose amino-acid sequence...