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About KRT / Cytokeratin:
Cytokeratin, also referred to as KRT or just keratin, is a type of protein that can be found in the intracytoplasmic cytoskeleton of your epithelial cells. The epithelial cells line the inside and the outside surfaces of the body.
KRT Function
Cytokeratin proteins help to form many different tissues in the body, such as hair, nails, and even some layers of skin. Hence, Cytokeratin plays a role in helping cells to withstand harder conditions and mechanical stress. Without Cytokeratin, the cells would be a lot more fragile and would have greater difficulty performing basic functions.
Cytokeratin in medical treatment
Cytokeratins can be found in higher volumes if a patient is experiencing a type of cell cancer. Doctors can use the measurement of the Cytokeratins within the blood to help identify the best course of action when it comes to treating cancer. Not only can it help to choose the best treatment option, but it can also show how effective the treatment has been.
These keratins are also known as protein tumor markers and are frequently used in the identification of different cancers. They can be used in early detection, making cancer easier to treat and or prevent.
KRT Structure
There are two types of Cytokeratins, basic and acidic. Basic type II includes Cytokeratins 1-8, and acidic type I includes 9-23. All of these types have been found related to different parts of the body, making it easier to identify where the tumor might be forming - based on the different types of Cytokeratin.