Keratin type II cytoskeletal 6 (CK6) (CK6, KRT6)

Keratin type II cytoskeletal 6 is a structural intermediate filament protein expressed in epithelial cells, particularly in the skin, nails, and other tissues subject to mechanical stress[1][3]. It forms heterodimeric complexes with type I keratins (such as keratin 17) to assemble into intermediate filaments that provide mechanical strength and resilience[1][5]. Beyond its primary structural role, cytokeratin 6 regulates cell migration and adhesion through interactions with myosin II and desmosomal proteins, and plays an important role in wound healing by promoting keratinocyte activation and migration at wound edges[1]. Rather than being a direct therapeutic target for drug development, cytokeratin 6 serves as a valuable diagnostic biomarker in pathology for identifying and classifying various epithelial carcinomas and other tumors, where its expression patterns help distinguish between different tumor types and tissue origins[4]. Mutations in keratin genes are associated with inherited tissue-fragility disorders, highlighting the critical importance of these proteins in maintaining cellular and tissue integrity[4].

Other names

Cytokeratin 6[2]Keratin 6[1]Type II keratin Kb6[6]CK-6A, CK-6D[6]K6A, Keratin-6A[6]Keratin 6A, Keratin 6B, Keratin 6C (specific isoforms)[1][7]

Not applicable. Cytokeratin 6 is not targeted by drugs with established mechanisms of action.