Keratins 6, 16, And 17 In Health And Disease: A Summary Of Recent Findings

Keratins 6, 16, and 17 are upregulated in response to skin damage, inflammation, and cancer, serving as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various skin conditions. They play crucial roles in keratinocyte migration, proliferation, and growth, with keratin 17 notably associated with poor prognosis in cancers. These keratins are involved in wound healing, providing mechanical resilience and modulating cell migration and adhesion. In diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, keratin 17 influences keratinocyte proliferation and immune responses. Mutations in these keratins are linked to pachyonychia congenita. They interact with signaling pathways such as Akt/mTOR and MAPK, influencing processes like cell proliferation and immune response. Understanding their regulation and roles highlights their potential in cancer therapy.