biostudies-literatureUnknown12(6)Reichelt JThe 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 wMolecular biology of the cell1557-68https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC37324biostudies-literatureFormation of a normal epidermis supported by increased stability of keratins 5 and 14 in keratin 10 null mice.PMC37324Grund CMagin TMReichelt JBussow HfalseFormation of a normal epidermis supported by increased stability of keratins 5 and 14 in keratin 10 null mice.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 w2001-01-01T00:00:00Z2001 Jun2025-04-27T02:49:05.108Z2019-03-26T23:43:00ZS-EPMC373241140856810.1091/mbc.12.6.1557