Keratins

In pathology, keratins, also cytokeratins, refers to a set of immunostains that mark filaments that are characteristic of epithelial cells, and cancers derived from epithelial cells (carcinomas).

Keratin when used in singular may refer to pankeratin.

Classification

Divided by molecular weight:^[1]

Low molecular weight keratins (LMWK): 7, 8/18, 19, 20.
High molecular weight keratins (HWMK): 4, 10, 13, 14, 17.

Uses

CK8 (CAM5.2)^[2] - used to look for mets from breast cancer in axillary lymph nodes.
HWMK (e.g. K903^[3]) - squamous cell carcinoma.

Sarcomas and keratins

Most sarcomas are cytokeratin negative.

Classic exceptions:

Others:

Leiomyosarcoma.

References

↑ http://www.nordiqc.org/Epitopes/Cytokeratins/cytokeratins.htm
↑ Murata T, Nakashima Y, Takeuchi M, Sueishi K, Inomata H (September 1993). "The diagnostic use of low molecular weight keratin expression in sebaceous carcinoma". Pathol. Res. Pract. 189 (8): 888–93. PMID 7508102.
↑ URL: http://www.aruplab.com/guides/ug/tests/2003978.jsp. Accessed on: 17 March 2011.

[1] ttp://www.nordiqc.org/Epitopes/Cytokeratins/cytokeratins.htm

[pmid7508102-2] Murata T, Nakashima Y, Takeuchi M, Sueishi K, Inomata H (September 1993). "The diagnostic use of low molecular weight keratin expression in sebaceous carcinoma". Pathol. Res. Pract. 189 (8): 888–93. PMID 7508102.

[3] URL: http://www.aruplab.com/guides/ug/tests/2003978.jsp. Accessed on: 17 March 2011.

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[2]

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Keratins

Contents

Classification

Uses

Sarcomas and keratins

See also

References

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