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Assembly and recognition of keratins: A structural perspective
Bowen Yu1, Dandan Kong2, Chen Cheng2
1State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|October 16, 2021
Summary
Keratins are essential cytoskeletal proteins forming intermediate filaments (IFs) crucial for cell structure. This review explores keratin structure, assembly, and interactions, offering insights into cellular functions and diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Keratins are key cytoskeletal components forming intermediate filaments (IFs).
- IFs provide mechanical support to cells and tissues.
- Keratin functions extend beyond mechanical support, involving cell proliferation, differentiation, motility, and death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current structural models of keratins and IFs.
- To discuss mechanisms of keratin assembly and recognition.
- To explore keratin interactions with binding partners.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of structural and biochemical studies on keratins.
- Analysis of existing models for keratin filament formation.
- Examination of reported keratin-binding protein interactions.
Main Results:
- Current structural details of keratins and IFs remain largely elusive.
- Mechanisms of keratin assembly and recognition require further elucidation.
- Keratin interactions with cellular components are diverse and functionally significant.
Conclusions:
- Understanding keratin structure and assembly is crucial for elucidating their biological roles.
- Insights into keratin interactions may illuminate mechanisms underlying keratin-related diseases.
- This review provides a structural perspective on keratin functions in cellular activities.
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