Abstract
The main function of the epidermis is to provide an essential barrier between the individual and the environment. This primarily stems from a finely regulated process of differentiation occurring in this stratified epithelium. Keratins are the most abundant proteins in this tissue and provide resistance against mechanical stress to the epidermal cells. Moreover, characteristic changes in the pattern of expression of this family of proteins takes place during the process of differentiation in epidermis. The K5/K14 pair, characteristic of basal proliferative cells, is switched off at the differentiation onset, and the expression of keratin pair K1/K10 concomitantly starts. In addition, under several pathological or physiological hyperproliferative situations K1/K10 pair expression is down-regulated. These facts have led to the assumption that specific functions can be exerted by each specific keratin polypeptide. Here we will summarize the recent and past effort to elucidate these particular roles. Collectively, the data have indicated particular roles for keratin K10, as a possible modulator of epidermal homeostasis contributing to the modulation of several signaling pathways in keratinocytes. The possibility that these functions are probably not unique among the large family of keratins will open new exciting and interesting scientific fields.
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Santos, M., Segrelles, C., Ruiz, S., Fernanda Lara, M., Paramio, J.M. (2006). The Search for Specific Keratin Functions. In: Intermediate Filaments. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-33781-4_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-33781-4_10
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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