Abstract
Keratin 24 (K24) is a new kind of keratin genes, which encodes a novel keratin protein, K24 that bears high similarity to the type I keratins and displays a unique expression profile. However, the role of K24 is incompletely understood. In our study, we investigated the localization of K24 within the epidermis and possible functions. Keratin 24 was found to be modestly overexpressed in senescent keratinocytes and was mainly restricted to the upper stratum spinosum of epidermis. The protein was required for terminal differentiation upon CaCl2-induced differentiation. In vitro results showed that increased K24 in keratinocytes dramatically changed the differentiation of primary keratinocytes. It also inhibited cell survival by G1/S phase cell cycle arrest and induced senescence, autophagy and apoptosis of keratinocytes. In addition, K24 activated PKCδ signal pathway involving in cellular survival. In summary, K24 may be suggested as a potential differentiation marker and anti-proliferative factor in the epidermis.
Highlights
The epidermis is a stratified epithelial tissue mainly built by keratinocytes that forms the outer skin layer and provides a physical barrier for human body by protecting the organism from environmental insults[1]
Keratin 24 (K24) was found to be localized in the upper stratum spinosum and to be more expressed in keratinocytes of larger size
It is widely considered that serial subculture of NHEK resulted in replicative senescence and terminal differentiation[13, 14].Another cellular process may predict the relationship between K24 and differentiation is calcium-mediated signal transduction, a potent inducer of keratinocyte differentiation[15]
Summary
The epidermis is a stratified epithelial tissue mainly built by keratinocytes that forms the outer skin layer and provides a physical barrier for human body by protecting the organism from environmental insults[1]. Keratin proteins take part in the formation of the IFs in epithelial cells and exist as polymeric filaments by pairing of type I (K1-K8, K71-K86) and type II (K9-K28, K31-K40) keratin proteins[8]. They are able to quickly responding to their cellular environment and can be up-regulated and/or modulated when
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