title: Beyond expectations: novel insights into epidermal keratin function and regulation.
abstract: The epidermis is a stratified epithelium that relies on its cytoskeleton and cell junctions to protect the body against mechanical injury, dehydration, and infections. Keratin intermediate filament proteins are involved in many of these functions by forming cell-specific cytoskeletal scaffolds crucial for the maintenance of cell and tissue integrity. In response to various stresses, the expression and organization of keratins are altered at transcriptional and posttranslational levels to restore tissue homeostasis. Failure to restore tissue homeostasis in the presence of keratin gene mutations results in acute and chronic skin disorders for which currently no rational therapies are available. Here, we review the recent progress on the role of keratins in cytoarchitecture, adhesion, signaling, and inflammation. By focusing on epidermal keratins, we illustrate the contribution of keratin isotypes to differentiated epithelial functions.
authors: Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM) and Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Melanie
authors: M
authors: Homberg
authors: Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM) and Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: thomas.magin@trm.uni-leipzig.de.
authors: Thomas M
authors: TM
authors: Magin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004194:Disease; D004817:Epidermis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D011485:Protein Binding; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational
chemical_list: D007633:Keratins
keywords: Cell migration; Desmosomes; EBS; Epidermal barrier; Epidermis; Inflammation; Intermediate filaments; Keratins