KRT5KRT14

KRT5KRT14 refers to the keratin 5 and keratin 14 proteins, which form a functional pair in the cytoskeleton of basal keratinocytes. Keratin 5 is a type II keratin and keratin 14 is a type I keratin; together they assemble into coiled-coil heterodimers that polymerize into 10-nm intermediate filaments, providing structural support to basal cells in stratified epithelia such as the epidermis.

The KRT5 gene is located on chromosome 12, and the KRT14 gene is located on chromosome 17. These genes are expressed in the basal layer of the epidermis and other stratified epithelia, where K5 and K14 pair to form the keratin cytoskeleton that anchors cells to one another through desmosomes and to the basement membrane through hemidesmosomes. This network contributes to mechanical resilience, helps maintain cell shape, and participates in wound healing and cytoskeletal remodeling during differentiation.

Clinically, mutations in either KRT5 or KRT14 can cause epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), a group of genetic skin disorders characterized by skin fragility and intraepidermal blistering after minor trauma. The disease can vary in severity depending on the specific mutation and its effect on filament assembly and cell integrity. In diagnostic pathology and oncology, keratins including KRT5 and KRT14 serve as basal cell markers in immunohistochemistry and are used to characterize basal-like subtypes of certain cancers.

In summary, KRT5KRT14 denotes the essential keratin pair that sustains the mechanical integrity of basal epithelial cells through their filamentous cytoskeleton, with important implications in development, disease, and pathology.