Cytokeratin 13 (KRT13) Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the keratin gene family. The keratins are intermediate filament proteins responsible for the structural integrity of epithelial cells and are subdivided into cytokeratins and hair keratins. Most of the type I cytokeratins consist of acidic proteins which are arranged in pairs of heterotypic keratin chains. This type I cytokeratin is paired with keratin 4 and expressed in the suprabasal layers of non-cornified stratified epithelia. Mutations in this gene and keratin 4 have been associated with the autosomal dominant disorder White Sponge Nevus. The type I cytokeratins are clustered in a region of chromosome 17q21.2. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants; however, not all variants have been described. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Subunit structure: Heterotetramer of two type I and two type II keratins. keratin-13 is generally associated with keratin-4.

Tissue specificity: Expressed in some epidermal sweat gland ducts (at protein level) and in exocervix, esophagus and placenta. Ref.3

Post-translational modification: O-glycosylated; glycans consist of single N-acetylglucosamine residues. Ref.10

Involvement in disease: White sponge nevus of cannon (WSN) [MIM:193900]: Rare autosomal dominant disorder which predominantly affects non-cornified stratified squamous epithelia. Clinically, it is characterized by the presence of soft, white, and spongy plaques in the oral mucosa. The characteristic histopathologic features are epithelial thickening, parakeratosis, and vacuolization of the suprabasal layer of oral epithelial keratinocytes. Less frequently the mucous membranes of the nose, esophagus, genitalia and rectum are involved.Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. Ref.15 Ref.16 Ref.17 Ref.18

Miscellaneous: There are two types of cytoskeletal and microfibrillar keratin: I (acidic; 40-55 kDa) and II (neutral to basic; 56-70 kDa).

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the intermediate filament family.