title: [Molecular biology of keratins and their significance in the clinical diagnosis of tumors].
abstract: Keratins are the most heterogenic class of intermediary filament molecules and form tonofilaments in all types of epithelial cells. At least 19 different human keratins have been demonstrated. On the basis of biochemical and immunological criteria, these may be subdivided into two subtypes (type I and type II). Recent molecular biological investigations have provided considerable insight into the construction of the keratin molecule and the tonofilament structure and the corresponding gene structure. The basic structure in the tonofilament is a dimer composed of one type I and one type II molecule which is the background for the coordinated paired expression of type I and type II keratins which are observed in all epithelial cells. A given epithelial cell type expresses a constant pattern of keratin pairs which serve as markers for the cell type concerned. In general, the characteristic keratin pattern is retained in neoplastic differentiation of the epithelial cell. With the production of monospecific antikeratin antibodies, it is now possible to identify carcinomata immunologically which improves the possibilities of determine the degree of differentiation and the source. Employment of antikeratin antibodies in tumour diagnosis may be anticipated to be of significance for assessment of the prognosis and monitoring and choice of therapy.
authors: P K
authors: PK
authors: Jensen
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D008967:Molecular Biology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D007633:Keratins
vernacular_title: Keratinernes molekylaere biologi og betydning inden for klinisk tumordiagnostik.