Anti-Cytokeratin 20 antibody [KRT20/1993]

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

Cytokeratin 20 often known as CK20 KRT20 or keratin 20 is a type of intermediate filament protein that is highly specific to epithelial cells. This cytoskeletal protein has a molecular weight of approximately 46.5 kDa. Cytokeratin 20 is primarily found in the gastric and intestinal epithelium urothelium and Merkel cells. Its function as part of the cytoskeleton provides structural integrity and strength to cells maintaining their shape and resilience against mechanical stress.

Biological function summary

Cytokeratin 20 is essential in cellular differentiation and maintenance within epithelial tissues. It plays an important role in the structural framework of epithelial cells by integrating into the cytoskeletal network which includes other keratins. Typically cytokeratin 20 forms heterodimers with keratin 8 contributing to the assembly of intermediate filaments. These interactions maintain cell stability and are involved in cellular processes such as migration and proliferation.

Pathways

Cytokeratin 20 participates in the framework of intermediate filament signaling influencing cell motility and secretion in epithelial tissues. It contributes mainly to the keratinization pathway which is critical in forming a protective barrier in epithelial cells. Additionally it is related to cell adhesion and signalling pathways that are important for tissue integrity. Connections with keratin 8 and other cytoskeletal proteins facilitate signal transduction processes necessary for epithelial homeostasis and response to injury.

Associated diseases and disorders

Cytokeratin 20 serves as a valuable marker for identifying specific cancer types particularly colorectal adenocarcinomas and Merkel cell carcinoma. The presence of cytokeratin 20 is often used in immunohistochemistry for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Its expression pattern is notably distinct helping differentiate between various adenocarcinomas. In colorectal cancer it shows a unique interaction with proteins like keratin 8 supporting the tumor's structural environment and influencing tumorigenesis and metastasis processes.