Keratin 8 phosphorylation regulates keratin reorganization and migration of epithelial tumor cells

Keratin 8 (K8) and Keratin 18 (K18) are the major components of intermediate filaments of simple epithelia as found in the intestine, liver and exocrine pancreas. The expression pattern of these proteins is generally persistent in carcinomas arising from tissues that normally express K8 and K18. The structure and function of keratins are very likely regulated through posttranslational modifications, particularly phosphorylation on serine residues. Previously we have shown that sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC), a naturally occurring bioactive lipid, can induce a perinuclear reorganization of the keratin cytoskel…