Formation of a normal epidermis supported by increased stability of keratins 5 and 14 in keratin 10 null mice.

ABSTRACT: The expression of distinct keratin pairs during epidermal differentiation is assumed to fulfill specific and essential cytoskeletal functions. This is supported by a great variety of genodermatoses exhibiting tissue fragility because of keratin mutations. Here, we show that the loss of K10, the most prominent epidermal protein, allowed the formation of a normal epidermis in neonatal mice without signs of fragility or wound-healing response. However, there were profound changes in the composition of suprabasal keratin filaments. K5/14 persisted suprabasally at elevated protein levels, whereas their mRNAs remained restricted to the basal keratinocytes. This indicated a novel mechanism regulating keratin turnover. Moreover, the amount of K1 was reduced. In the absence of its natural partner w

SUBMITTER: Reichelt J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC37324 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature