Complete Structure of an Epithelial Keratin Dimer: Implications for Intermediate Filament Assembly

July 2015 in “ PLoS ONE ”

David J. Bray, Tiffany R. Walsh, Massimo G. Noro, Rebecca Notman

Studysummary This study presents the first detailed 3D models of the complete K1/K10 keratin dimer and identifies structural features and interactions that may inform understanding of keratin filament assembly.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

View this study on journals.plos.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research The Expanding Significance of Keratin Intermediate Filaments in Normal and Diseased Epithelia

186 citations , December 2012 in “Current opinion in cell biology”

This review discusses the recent advancements in understanding how keratins influence cytoarchitecture, cell dynamics, and disease processes but reports no new clinical results; the authors highlight its roles in development and diseases like cancer.

research Structure and Mechanical Properties of Human Trichocyte Keratin Intermediate Filament Protein

51 citations , September 2012 in “Biomacromolecules”

This study found that disulfide bonds in keratin increase its strength and toughness, with some loss of α-helical structure under load, highlighting their role in trichocyte α-keratin's mechanical properties.

research Molecular Modeling of Hair Keratin/Peptide Complex: Using MM-PBSA Calculations to Describe Experimental Binding Results

14 citations , January 2012 in “Proteins”

This study's molecular dynamics simulations suggest that electrostatic interactions mainly stabilize peptide binding to human hair keratin, with the protein's dielectric constant significantly affecting free energy calculations.

research Unique Amino Acid Signatures That Are Evolutionarily Conserved Distinguish Simple-Type, Epidermal, and Hair Keratins

76 citations , December 2011 in “Journal of Cell Science”

This study found that keratins have evolutionarily conserved and domain-selectively enriched amino acids, which likely reflect their unique structural roles, with distinct patterns observed among epidermal, hair, and simple-type epithelial keratins.

research Keratin Gene Mutations in Disorders of Human Skin and Its Appendages

185 citations , December 2010 in “Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics”

Keratin gene mutations cause various skin and hair disorders, but new research offers hope for future treatments.

research Three-Dimensional Modelling of Interchain Sequence Similarities and Differences in the Coiled-Coil Segments of Keratin Intermediate Filament Heterodimers Highlight Features Important in Assembly

13 citations , November 2007 in “Journal of Structural Biology”

Keratin heterodimers are preferred for their specific and structural advantages.