Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 2 epidermal (KRT2) (KRT2)

Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 2 epidermal (KRT2), also known as cytokeratin 2, is a type II (basic/neutral) intermediate filament protein specifically expressed in suprabasal keratinocytes of the epidermis, particularly in the ear, where it maintains corneocytes and keratin filaments.[5][6] As part of the cytokeratin family, it pairs with type I (acidic) cytokeratins to form heterodimers that assemble into filaments providing mechanical strength and structural integrity to epithelial cells, helping them resist physical stress and support cell junctions like desmosomes and hemidesmosomes.[1][2][4][6] These filaments create a dynamic network spanning from the nucleus to the plasma membrane, aiding in cell polarity, signaling, proliferation, differentiation, and protection against apoptosis.[1][2][4] In disease contexts, cytokeratins including KRT2 serve as biomarkers due to their tissue-specific expression, enabling identification of epithelial tumor origins in pathology.[1][2] While not a direct therapeutic target like receptors or enzymes, alterations in keratin expression or filament dynamics are implicated in epithelial disorders and carcinomas.[1][2][4]

Other names

Cytokeratin 2Keratin 2K2