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Oncogenic regulation and function of keratins 8 and 18
R G Oshima1, H Baribault, C Caulín
1Burnham Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Cancer Metastasis Reviews
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Keratin 8 (K8) and keratin 18 (K18) are key intermediate filament proteins. Their persistent expression in carcinomas may result from oncogene activation and influence tumor cell behavior.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Keratin 8 (K8) and keratin 18 (K18) are intermediate filament proteins prevalent in simple epithelial tissues.
- These keratins are consistently expressed in carcinomas, making them valuable diagnostic markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transcriptional regulation of K8 and K18 expression in epithelial cells and tumors.
- To explore the functional implications of K8 and K18 expression in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of transcriptional control mechanisms for K18.
- Comparison of expression patterns in normal and pathological conditions.
- Correlation of K8/K18 expression with tumor cell characteristics.
Main Results:
- Oncogenes activating ras signaling pathways stimulate K18 expression via AP-1 and ETS transcription factors.
- Persistent K8/K18 expression may involve integrated transcriptional activation and epigenetic escape.
- Multiple oncogenes converge on limited transcription factors to regulate keratin expression.
Conclusions:
- Persistent K8 and K18 expression in tumors is linked to oncogenic signaling pathways.
- K8 and K18 proteins may play roles in normal development and cancer progression.
- Further research into K8/K18 functions offers insights into intermediate filament protein roles.