Anti-pan Keratin antibody [80]

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

Pan Keratin also known as pan-keratin is a complex mixture of intermediate filament proteins essential for the mechanical stability of epithelial cells. These keratins have a range of molecular weights between 40 and 67 kDa. Keratin expression occurs in epithelial tissues where they form a dense network providing structural support. Researchers commonly employ anti-keratin antibodies and anti-pan keratin antibodies to study various epithelial tissues as these antibodies broadly recognize keratin proteins allowing for a comprehensive pan keratin stain in histological applications.

Biological function summary

Keratins contribute to cellular integrity and resilience against mechanical stress. They function within the cytoskeleton by forming filamentous networks that link to desmosomes. These filaments involve several keratin types and non-keratin proteins as part of a larger complex. Pan keratin immunostain techniques help visualize these structures demonstrating their important role in maintaining epithelial barrier function and tissue architecture which includes stratified and simple epithelia. The interaction of keratins with other cytoskeletal elements underlines their significance in cellular biology.

Pathways

Keratins are integral to the cytoskeleton organization and cell adhesion pathways. Cell junctions such as desmosomes rely on keratin filaments for stability and signal transduction. Connections exist with proteins such as desmoplakin and plakoglobin which are important in maintaining cell-cell adhesion and communication. Researchers often use keratin stains to examine epithelial tissue organization giving insights into disruptions within these pathways that can affect tissue function.

Associated diseases and disorders

Keratin expression patterns serve as markers in diagnosing epithelial-derived tumors such as carcinomas and certain skin disorders. Abnormal keratin expression can indicate epithelial tissue transformation contributing to cancer development or progression. For example variations in specific keratin types are markers for different carcinoma types. Moreover disorders involving the skin like epidermolysis bullosa simplex may relate to mutations in keratin genes. Understanding these connections enables researchers to explore potential therapeutic approaches by targeting related proteins and pathways.