Sequence and expression of a type II keratin, K5, in human epidermal cells

We report here the cDNA and amino acid sequences of a human 58-kilodalton type II keratin, K5, which is coexpressed with a 50-kilodalton type I keratin partner, K14, in stratified squamous epithelia. Using a probe specific for the 3'-noncoding portion of this K5 cDNA, we demonstrated the existence of a single human gene encoding this sequence. Using Northern (RNA) blot analysis and in situ hybridization with cRNA probes for both K5 and K14, we examined the expression of these mRNAs in the epidermis and in cultured epidermal cells. Our results indicate that the mRNAs for K5 and K14 are coordinately expressed and abundant in the basal layer of the epidermis. As cells undergo a commitment to terminally differentiate, the expression of both mRNAs seems to be downregulated.