Type II keratins (or Type II cytokeratins) constitutes the Type II
intermediate filaments
Intermediate filaments (IFs) are cytoskeletal structural components found in the cells of vertebrates, and many invertebrates. Homologues of the IF protein have been noted in an invertebrate, the cephalochordate ''Branchiostoma''.
Intermed ...
(IFs) of the intracytoplasmatic cytoskeleton, which is present in all mammalian epithelial cells. The type 2 cytokeratins consist of basic or neutral, high molecular weight
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, respon ...
s which in vivo are arranged in pairs of heterotypic Type I and Type II keratin chains, coexpressed during differentiation of simple and stratified epithelial tissues.
Type II cytokeratins are encoded on
chromosome 12q and encompasses:
CK1,
CK2,
CK3,
CK4,
CK5,
CK6,
CK7 and
CK8
Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 8 also known as cytokeratin-8 (CK-8) or keratin-8 (K8) is a keratin protein that is encoded in humans by the ''KRT8'' gene. It is often paired with keratin 18.
Utility as an immunohistochemical stain
Antibodies to CK ...
. Their molecular weight ranges from 52 kDa (CK8) to 67 kDa (CK18).
See also
*
Type I keratin
External links
*
Proteopedia page on keratins
{{Fibrous proteins
Keratins