Cytoskeleton in motion: the dynamics of keratin intermediate filaments in epithelia

作者：Reinhard Windoffer, Michael Beil, Thomas M. Magin, Rudolf E. Leube · 发表于：The Journal of Cell Biology · 年份：2011 · DOI：10.1083/jcb.201008095 · 被引用次数：205 · 研究领域：Skin and Cellular Biology Research、Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

Epithelia are exposed to multiple forms of stress. Keratin intermediate filaments are abundant in epithelia and form cytoskeletal networks that contribute to cell type-specific functions, such as adhesion, migration, and metabolism. A perpetual keratin filament turnover cycle supports these functions. This multistep process keeps the cytoskeleton in motion, facilitating rapid and protein biosynthesis-independent network remodeling while maintaining an intact network. The current challenge is to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of the keratin cycle in relation to actin and microtubule networks and in the context of epithelial tissue function.