There are at least three-cytoskeletal systems in eukaryotic cells; the intermediate filament (IF) protein family is most complex. Depending on their polymerization properties and tissue specificity they are divided into six subtypes. Intermediate filaments of type-I and type-II are cytokeratin. Cytokeratin are also classified based on the expression as simple epithelial and sratified seqamous cytokine. Cytokeratins are mainly involved in the protection of epithelial cells from mechanical and non-mechanical stresses that resulting in cell death. Human Keratin, type-II cytoskeletal 8 (KRT8) gene encodes the type II intermediate filament chain keratin 8. Type I and type II keratins heteropolymerize to form intermediate-sized filaments in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. KRT8 protein typically dimerizes with keratin 18 to form an intermediate filament in simple single-layered epithelial cells. KRT8 plays a role in maintaining cellular structural integrity and also functions in signal transduction and cellular differentiation. Mutations in this gene cause cryptogenic cirrhosis.

Full-length human KRT8 cDNA (482 aa, derived from BC063513) was constructed with codon optimization and expressed with a small T7-His-TEV cleavage site Tag (29aa) fusion at its N-terminal. This protein was expressed in E.coli as inclusion bodies. The final product was refolded using our unique “temperature shift inclusion body refolding” technology and chromatographically purified.

1. May be used for in vitro KRT8 mediated cellular cytoskeletal polymerization regulation study for cell stress induced apoptosis by intracellular delivery of this protein with “ProFectin” reagent.

2. May be used protein-protein interaction assay.

3. Potential biomarker protein for clinical applications such as monitoring various cancer progression by measuring tissue KRT8 protein level in blood or tumor samples.

4. As antigen for specific antibody production.