›› 2021, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (5): 470-474.

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Biological functions of keratin and its research progress in oral diseases

  

  • Received:2020-08-12 Revised:2020-10-22 Online:2021-05-28 Published:2021-05-21

Abstract: Keratin (K), a member of the middle filament family of cytoskeletal proteins, is mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. Keratin has various biological functions. It not only can maintain the integrity of epithelial cells, but also plays important roles in the development and progression of inflammation and tumor diseases by regulating epithelial cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration and immune inflammatory responses. Therefore, it has become a molecular marker and therapeutic target for early diagnosis and prognosis judgment of various inflammatory and tumor diseases. In recent years, the research of keratin in oral diseases has gradually increased. This article reviews the biological functions of keratin and its research progress in oral diseases.

Key words: keratin, periodontitis, oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral lichen planus, oral leukoplakia

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