Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 80 (KRT80)

Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 80 (KRT80) is a type II intermediate filament protein that is a structural component of the cytoskeleton in human epithelial cells[1][2][4][3]. It provides mechanical support and plays essential roles in processes such as cell differentiation, apoptosis, migration, adhesion, and positioning of organelles[1][2][4]. KRT80 is widely expressed in nearly all epithelial tissues and can interact with other type II keratins to form heterodimers. Uniquely, although encoded as an epithelial keratin, KRT80 is structurally more similar to type II hair keratins[1][4]. KRT80 is notably overexpressed in many cancers—including colorectal and gastric cancer—where it promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), frequently via AKT pathway activation[1][2]. High KRT80 expression is associated with poor prognosis and lower disease-free survival in cancer patients, making it an emerging biomarker and potential therapeutic target in oncology[1][2]. Currently, no clinically approved drugs are known to directly target KRT80. Diseases linked to mutations in KRT80 include Pachyonychia Congenita 1[4].

Other names

Keratin 80KB20CK-80K80Cytokeratin-80Keratin-80Type-II keratin Kb20keratin, type II cytoskeletal 80cytokeratin-80keratin 80, type IIkeratin b20type II keratintype-II keratin Kb20KRT80