KRT8
Description
The KRT8 (keratin 8) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
KRT8, also known as Cytokeratin-8 (CK-8) or Keratin-8 (K8), is a keratin protein encoded by the KRT8 gene. It is frequently paired with Keratin 18. Antibodies targeting CK8 can differentiate lobular carcinoma of the breast from ductal carcinoma of the breast. The antibody CAM 5.2, which recognizes an epitope present on both CK8 and CK18, is used in immunohistochemistry to identify specific cancer types. In normal tissue, it primarily reacts with secretory epithelia but not squamous epithelium, such as that found in the skin, cervix, and esophagus. However, it also reacts with various malignant cells, including those originating from secretory epithelia and some squamous carcinomata, such as spindle cell carcinoma. Its utility lies in identifying microscopic metastases of breast carcinoma in lymph nodes and distinguishing Paget's disease from malignant melanoma. It also reacts with neuroendocrine tumors. KRT8 is often used alongside KRT18 and KRT19 to differentiate cells of epithelial origin from hematopoietic cells in tests that enumerate circulating tumor cells in blood.
KRT8, in conjunction with KRT19, plays a role in connecting the contractile apparatus to dystrophin at the costameres of striated muscle.
KRT8 is also known as CARD2, CK-8, CK8, CYK8, K2C8, K8, KO.
Associated Diseases
- cirrhosis, familial
- lysosomal storage disease
- Alzheimer disease
- Parkinson disease
- multiple sclerosis
- colorectal cancer
