Simple epithelial keratins (SEKs) are the cytoplasmic intermediate filament proteins of single-layered and glandular epithelial cells as found in the liver, pancreas, intestine, and lung. SEKs have broad cytoprotective functions, which are facilitated by dynamic posttranslational modifications and interaction with associated proteins. SEK filaments are composed of obligate heteropolymers of type II (K7, K8) and type I (K18-K20, K23) keratins. The multifaceted roles of SEKs are increasingly appreciated due to findings obtained from transgenic mouse models and human studies that identified SEK variants in several digestive diseases. Reorganization of the SEK network into aggregates called Mallory-Denk bodies (MDBs) is characteristic for specific liver disorders such as alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. To spur further research on SEKs, we here review the methods and potential caveats of their isolation as well as possibilities to study them in cell culture. The existing transgenic SEK mouse models, their advantages and potential drawbacks are discussed. The tools to induce MDBs, ways of their visualization and quantification, as well as the possibilities to detect SEK variants in humans are summarized.
Pubmed ID: 26795477 RIS Download
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Publicly available database of summary level findings from genetic association studies in humans, including genome wide association studies (GWAS). Previously named HGBASE, HGVbase and HGVbaseG2P.
View all literature mentionsThe goal of the project is to discover novel genes and mechanisms contributing to heart, lung and blood disorders by pioneering the application of next-generation sequencing of the protein coding regions of the human genome across diverse, richly-phenotyped populations and to share these datasets and findings with the scientific community to extend and enrich the diagnosis, management and treatment of heart, lung and blood disorders. The groups participating and collaborating in the NHLBI GO ESP include: Seattle GO - University of Washington, Seattle, WA Broad GO - Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA WHISP GO - Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH Lung GO - University of Washington, Seattle, WA WashU GO - Washington University, St. Louis, MO Heart GO - University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA ChargeS GO - University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston
View all literature mentionsThis monoclonal targets All simple-type epithelia and neoplasms derived therefrom. Stains all adenocarcinomas tested and undifferentiated carcinomas. (Human, monodelphis, mouse, rat, tupaia (not with bovine, pig))
View all literature mentionsThis monoclonal targets Keratin, type II; cytokeratin 8/18; EndoA
View all literature mentionsThis monoclonal targets Keratin, type II; cytokeratin 8/18; EndoA
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