Keratins
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In pathology, keratins, also cytokeratins, refers to a set of immunostains that mark intermediate 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:
- Angiosarcoma, epithelioid.
- Synovial sarcoma.
- Chordoma.
- Desmoplastic small round cell tumour.
- Epithelioid sarcoma.
Others:
See also
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.