Cytokeratins

Abstract

Cytokeratins (CK) belong to the intermediate filament group and are expressed in epithelial cells. Their expression is tissue specific and for this reason they are the most important markers of epithelial differentiation. Monoclonal antibodies, which specifically mark one CK, are used in the diagnosis of many tumors. In the last decade, several mutations were described in CK genes, which lead to structural changes in its molecule. As a result, the pathogenesis of many skin diseases has been clarified, such as Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (CK 5 or 14), Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (CK 1 or 10), Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (CK 9) and Pachyonychia congenita (CK 6, 16 or 17).