Cytokeratin 7
Cytokeratin 7 (KRT7, also known as K7, CK7, CK-7, K2C7 and SCL) is a type II cytoskeletal keratin of the intermediate filament family. It is expressed in simple epithelia and pairs with type I keratin partners during epithelial differentiation. Browse Assay Genie's current range of Cytokeratin 7 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
Cytokeratin 7 is a member of the keratin gene family and belongs to the intermediate filament family. The type II cytokeratins are basic or neutral proteins that are arranged in pairs of heterotypic keratin chains, coexpressed during the differentiation of simple and stratified epithelial tissues. Cytokeratin 7 is a cytoplasmic protein. UniProt annotates it as blocking interferon-dependent interphase and stimulating DNA synthesis in cells, and as being involved in the translational regulation of the human papillomavirus type 16 E7 mRNA (HPV16 E7).
According to the NCBI Gene summary, this type II cytokeratin is specifically expressed in the simple epithelia lining the cavities of the internal organs, and in gland ducts and blood vessels. This restricted pattern distinguishes it from keratins found in stratified epithelia. The KRT7 gene belongs to the HGUC group of type II keratins, whose genes are clustered in a region of chromosome 12q12-q13. Alternative splicing may result in several transcript variants, although not all variants have been fully described.
The protein is catalogued by HGNC as keratin 7, previously keratin 7, type II, and by UniProt as keratin, type II cytoskeletal 7. Orthologous genes are recognised in mouse and rat, both named Krt7. Researchers studying epithelial differentiation, keratin pairing and the wider keratin family often work with the Cytokeratin 7 protein alongside related type II keratins such as KRT8.
Type II cytokeratins are coexpressed in heterotypic pairs during differentiation of simple and stratified epithelia, making Cytokeratin 7 a useful subject for studying epithelial identity.
Cytokeratin 7 is specifically expressed in simple epithelia lining internal organ cavities, gland ducts and blood vessels.
As a member of the intermediate filament family, Cytokeratin 7 contributes to studies of the cytoplasmic keratin network and its type II partners.
UniProt links Cytokeratin 7 to blocking interferon-dependent interphase, stimulating DNA synthesis and translational regulation of HPV16 E7 mRNA.
Cytokeratin 7 is a type II intermediate filament protein found in the cytoplasm of simple epithelial cells. UniProt notes that it blocks interferon-dependent interphase, stimulates DNA synthesis in cells and is involved in translational regulation of the HPV16 E7 mRNA.
Cytokeratin 7 is encoded by KRT7 and is also called K7, CK7, CK-7, K2C7 and SCL. HGNC names it keratin 7, previously keratin 7, type II, and UniProt lists it as keratin, type II cytoskeletal 7. Alternative splicing may give several transcript variants.
Yes. Mouse and rat both have an orthologous gene named Krt7. Cytokeratin 7 also sits within the type II keratin gene group, whose genes cluster on chromosome 12q12-q13 in humans; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other keratins and intermediate filament proteins involved in epithelial differentiation, with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P08729; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.