TAMPERING WITH CYTOKERATIN EXPRESSION RESULTS IN CELL DYSFUNCTION

Role of cytokeratins in early embryogenesis in Xenopus and mouse, rege neration of liver and keratinization of epithelial cells in adult anim als have been worked out by manipulating RNA expression as well as pro tein synthesis using chemical modulators, antibodies, antisense DNAs o r by transgenic expression. Irrespective of the various responses of c ells/tissue to the altered keratin network system, keratins help in pr oviding architecture and a definite cellular organisation to the tissu e as a whole, by controlling morphogenetic migration of cells. The rol e of cytokeratins in the morphogenetic movements provides mechanical i ntegrity and endurance to the cells.