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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Primary Mouse Keratinocytes from Neonatal and Adult Mouse Skin
Published on: July 14, 2017
Beyond expectations: novel insights into epidermal keratin function and regulation
Melanie Homberg1, Thomas M Magin1
1Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM) and Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
Abstract:
The epidermis is a stratified epithelium that relies on its cytoskeleton and cell junctions to protect the body against mechanical injury, dehydration, and infections. Keratin intermediate filament proteins are involved in many of these functions by forming cell-specific cytoskeletal scaffolds crucial for the maintenance of cell and tissue integrity. In response to various stresses, the expression and organization of keratins are altered at transcriptional and posttranslational levels to restore tissue homeostasis. Failure to restore tissue homeostasis in the presence of keratin gene mutations results in acute and chronic skin disorders for which currently no rational therapies are available. Here, we review the recent progress on the role of keratins in cytoarchitecture, adhesion, signaling, and inflammation. By focusing on epidermal keratins, we illustrate the contribution of keratin isotypes to differentiated epithelial functions.
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