Keratin 4 (KRT4) Antibody – Rabbit Polyclonal

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the keratin gene family. The type II cytokeratins consist of basic or neutral proteins which are arranged in pairs of heterotypic keratin chains coexpressed during differentiation of simple and stratified epithelial tissues. This type II cytokeratin is specifically expressed in differentiated layers of the mucosal and esophageal epithelia with family member KRT13. Mutations in these genes have been associated with White Sponge Nevus, characterized by oral, esophageal, and anal leukoplakia. The type II cytokeratins are clustered in a region of chromosome 12q12-q13. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

K4: Heterotetramer of two type I and two type II keratins. Keratin-4 is generally associated with keratin-13. Detected in the suprabasal layer of the stratified epithelium of the esophagus, exocervix, vagina, mouth and lingual mucosa, and in cells and cell clusters in the mucosa and serous gland ducts of the esophageal submucosa. Expressed widely in the exocervix and esophageal epithelium, with lowest levels detected in the basal cell layer. Belongs to the intermediate filament family.

Protein type: Cytoskeletal

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 12q13.13

Cellular Component: cell surface; intermediate filament cytoskeleton; keratin filament; nucleus

Molecular Function: protein binding

Biological Process: cytoskeleton organization and biogenesis; epithelial cell differentiation; negative regulation of epithelial cell proliferation

Disease: White Sponge Nevus 1