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Review
. 2018 Jan-Apr;22(1):86-91.
doi: 10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_195_16.

Pathophysiology of keratinization

Priya Nimish Deo  1 , Revati Deshmukh  1
Affiliations
Review

Pathophysiology of keratinization

Priya Nimish Deo et al. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018 Jan-Apr.

Abstract

Cytoskeleton of a cell is made up of microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments. Keratins are diverse proteins. These intermediate filaments maintain the structural integrity of the keratinocytes. The word keratin covers these intermediate filament-forming proteins within the keratinocytes. They are expressed in a specific pattern and according to the stage of cellular differentiation. They always occur in pairs. Mutations in the genes which regulate the expression of keratin proteins are associated with a number of disorders which show defects in both skin and mucosa. In addition, there are a number of disorders which are seen because of abnormal keratinization. These keratins and keratin-associated proteins have become important markers in diagnostic pathology. This review article discusses the classification, structure, functions, the stains used for the demonstration of keratin and associated pathology. The review describes the physiology of keratinization, pathology behind abnormal keratin formation and various keratin disorders.

Keywords: Keratinization; disorder; marker.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Expression of cytokeratins in the oral keratinized epithelium. (b) Expression of cytokeratins in oral Nonkeratinized (Buccal) epithelium
Flow Chart 1
Flow Chart 1
Working classification of oral keratin disorders[1]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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