KRT8
KRT8 (keratin 8, also known as CK8, K8, CK-8, CYK8, K2C8, CARD2 and KO) is a type II cytoskeletal keratin and a structural component of intermediate filaments in simple epithelial cells. It pairs with its obligate type I partner KRT18 to build a network that gives epithelia mechanical stability. Browse Assay Genie's current range of KRT8 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
KRT8 is a structural component of intermediate filaments in simple epithelial cells. Together with its obligate type I partner KRT18, it contributes to the keratin intermediate filament network that provides mechanical stability and resilience to epithelial cells. Type I and type II keratins heteropolymerize to form these filaments, and the KRT8 protein typically dimerises with keratin 18 in simple, single-layered epithelia.
Beyond its structural role, KRT8 helps maintain epithelial integrity and protects cells from non-mechanical stress, such as apoptosis. It is also required for ARHGEF40-mediated actin stress fibre formation and for tensional force-induced stress fibre formation and reinforcement. In striated muscle, together with KRT19, it may contribute to linking the contractile apparatus to dystrophin at the costameres. The NCBI Gene summary also describes roles in signal transduction and cellular differentiation.
The KRT8 gene belongs to the type II keratin family and is clustered with other type II keratin genes on the long arm of chromosome 12. UniProt places the protein in the intermediate filament family and records it in the cytoplasm and cytoskeleton, as well as in the nucleoplasm and nuclear matrix. Mutations in the gene cause cryptogenic cirrhosis, and alternatively spliced transcript variants have been reported. The previous HGNC name was keratin 8, type II. Mouse and rat both carry a Krt8 ortholog.
KRT8 forms the intermediate filament network of simple, single-layered epithelial cells, making it a core subject for studies of epithelial structure and resilience.
KRT8 helps protect cells from non-mechanical stress such as apoptosis, so it is studied in epithelial integrity and cell survival.
Mutations in the KRT8 gene cause cryptogenic cirrhosis, linking this keratin to studies of liver disease and epithelial cell protection.
KRT8 is required for ARHGEF40-mediated actin stress fibre formation, connecting keratin filaments to cellular tension and cytoskeletal reinforcement.
KRT8 is a structural component of intermediate filaments in simple epithelial cells. With its obligate type I partner KRT18, it forms a keratin network that gives epithelial cells mechanical stability, helps maintain epithelial integrity and protects against non-mechanical stress such as apoptosis.
KRT8 is the HGNC symbol for keratin 8, formerly keratin 8, type II. Aliases include CARD2, K8, CK8, CK-8, CYK8, K2C8 and KO. UniProt lists the protein as Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 8. The NCBI Gene summary notes alternatively spliced transcript variants.
Mouse and rat both have a Krt8 ortholog; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity. In humans, the NCBI Gene summary states that mutations in the KRT8 gene cause cryptogenic cirrhosis.
Other keratins and intermediate filament proteins with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P05787; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.