Stabilizing of cytokeratin in PLC/PRF/5 cells

There are two sorted groups of cytokeratin 18 (CK18) in forms of assembly a nd disassembly in PLC/PRF/5 cells. A subcellular shifting is found in assoc iation with conditions of microtubule networks. The finding shows that CK18 mostly in forms of assembly, when microtubule networks are in status. The result also reveals that CK18 is relatively in forms of disassembly, while microtubule networks are disrupted in steps. It indicates that intact micro tubule networks are probably a stabilizing factor of assembled CK18. It imp lies that CK18 is not a stable molecule when the cell is under environmenta l stress.