Anti-Cytokeratin 18 antibody [KRT18/834, KRT18/835, KRT18/836, KRT18/1190]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Cytokeratin 18 (CK18) also known as Keratin 18 or KRT18 is a type I intermediate filament protein with a molecular weight of approximately 45 kDa. It plays a mechanical role in stabilizing epithelial cell structure and function. CK18 is expressed in single-layered epithelial tissues such as the liver intestine and pancreas. It partners with the type II keratin usually KRT8 to form a stable cytoskeletal network in these cells providing structural integrity and resilience.

Biological function summary

CK18 maintains cellular integrity and mediates resistance to mechanical and non-mechanical stresses in epithelial cells. It forms heterodimers with KRT8 participating in a complex network of filaments important for maintaining cell shape and stability. This organization plays a role in managing cell survival during stress and apoptosis helping regulate cellular functions and responses in tissues where it is expressed.

Pathways

Cytokeratin 18 is involved in the apoptosis and cellular stress response pathways. It interacts with proteins such as caspases during apoptosis facilitating cytoskeletal reorganization and cell fragmentation. CK18 in coordination with KRT8 also participates in signaling pathways that regulate cell cycle and apoptotic processes underlining its importance in cellular turnover and tissue homeostasis.

Associated diseases and disorders

Elevated levels of CK18 fragments are often observed in cases of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and breast cancer. It serves as a biomarker for liver injury due to its abundance in hepatocytes and release upon cell death. In breast cancer alterations in CK18 expression can reflect disease progression where it interacts with other proteins such as vimentin indicating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition a process that facilitates metastasis.