Type II keratin

Type II keratins (or Type II cytokeratins) constitutes the Type II intermediate filaments (IFs) of the intracytoplasmatic cytoskeleton, which is present in all mammalian epithelial cells. The type 2 cytokeratins consist of basic or neutral, high molecular weight proteins which in vivo are arranged in pairs of heterotypic Type I and Type II keratin chains, coexpressed during differentiation of simple and stratified epithelial tissues.[1] It has been seen that Type II Keratins are developed before Type 1 keratins during human embryonic development.[2]

Type II cytokeratins are encoded on chromosome 12q and encompasses: CK1, CK2, CK3, CK4, CK5, CK6, CK7 and CK8. Their molecular weight ranges from 52 kDa (CK8) to 67 kDa (CK18).

Overall, keratin type 2 plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength and integrity of the skin, hair, and nails. Mutations in keratin genes can lead to various genetic disorders that affect these tissues, such as epidermolysis bullosa simplex, a rare condition characterized by blistering and erosion of the skin and mucous membranes.[3]

  1. ^ Schweizer, Jürgen; Bowden, Paul E.; Coulombe, Pierre A.; Langbein, Lutz; Lane, E. Birgitte; Magin, Thomas M.; Maltais, Lois; Omary, M. Bishr; Parry, David A.D.; Rogers, Michael A.; Wright, Mathew W. (17 July 2006). "New consensus nomenclature for mammalian keratins". Journal of Cell Biology. 174 (2): 169–174. doi:10.1083/jcb.200603161. PMC 2064177. PMID 16831889. Archived from the original on 2020-02-11. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  2. ^ Lu, Hong; Hesse, Michael; Peters, Bettina; Magin, Thomas M. (August 2005). "Type II keratins precede type I keratins during early embryonic development". European Journal of Cell Biology. 84 (8): 709–718. doi:10.1016/j.ejcb.2005.04.001. ISSN 0171-9335. PMID 16180309.
  3. ^ Moll, Roland; Divo, Markus; Langbein, Lutz (2008-06-01). "The human keratins: biology and pathology". Histochemistry and Cell Biology. 129 (6): 705–733. doi:10.1007/s00418-008-0435-6. ISSN 1432-119X. PMC 2386534. PMID 18461349.