Keratins 8/18 represent type II acute-phase proteins which are differentially regulated in human liver disease

Background: Keratins (Ks) 7,8,18,19,20,23 represent a subgroup of intermediate filaments expressed primarily in single-layered and glandular epithelia. Adult hepatocytes are unique in that they contain only K8/K18, while other cell types (such as biliary epithelia) also produce variable levels of K7, K19, and K20. In animal studies K8/K18 emerged as important cytoprotective, stress-inducible genes. In mouse model, dysregulated keratin expression with K8>K18 state was shown to contribute to formation of Mallory-Denk-bodies, protein inclusions characteristic of alcoholic liver disease. Aims and Methods: To study k…