Krev interaction trapped protein 1 or Cerebral cavernous malformations 1 protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KRIT1 gene. [4] [5] [6] [7] This gene contains 16 coding exons and is located on chromosome 7q21.2. Loss of function mutations in KRIT1 result in the onset of cerebral cavernous malformation. [8] Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular malformations in the brain and spinal cord made of dilated capillary vessels.
The KRIT1 protein, is 736 amino acids in length and has a variety of functions. KRIT1 has been shown to interact with multiple signaling pathways including; ITGB1BP1., [9] [10] reactive oxygen species, [11] cell death, [12] and angiogenesis. [13] Related to cerebral cavernous malformations, this protein is required for maintaining the structural integrity of the vasculature. [14] [15]