Keratin Intermediate Filaments in the Colon: Guardians of Epithelial Homeostasis

The document discussed the critical role of keratin intermediate filaments, particularly keratin 8, in maintaining colonic epithelial homeostasis. It highlighted that keratins provide structural support, regulate inflammation, and protect against colitis and colorectal cancer. K8 deficiency in mice led to decreased Notch-1 expression, altered cell differentiation, and increased susceptibility to inflammation and colorectal cancer. The review emphasized the diagnostic value of keratins in chronic colonic diseases and their potential in personalizing therapies for colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease patients. Additionally, keratins were involved in essential cellular processes such as ion transport, proliferation, and differentiation, and their expression patterns were used in cancer diagnostics.