Keratin from human epidermis

Keratins are characteristic intermediate filament proteins of the epithelia. In human, keratin is classified into type I and type II. About 54 genes encodes for the keratin protein. The keratin 1 (KRT1) gene is mapped to human chromosome 12q13.13. It is the primary component of hair, skin and nails.

Keratin from human epidermis has been used:

• as an analyte and a cross-reactant in the antibody-immobilized chip for testing selectivity coefficients
• as a standard in extracellular matrix (ECM) protein in in vitro protein degradation assays.
• asa a standard in enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Keratins are important for the mechanical stability and integrity of epithelial cells and tissues. Some keratins also have regulatory functions and are involved in intracellular signaling pathways, e.g. protection from stress, wound healing, and apoptosis. This diverse group of cytoskeletal scaffolding proteins form intermediate filament networks which provide structural support to keratinocytes that maintain the integrity of the skin. Expression of keratin genes is usually regulated by differentiation of the epidermal cells within the stratifying squamous epithelium.

Solution in 8 M urea, 50 mM Tris, 0.1 M β-mercaptoethanol and 0.1% sodium azide, pH 8.4