PMID: 7527050Jul 1, 1994Paper

Function of type I and type II keratin head domains: their role in dimer, tetramer and filament formation

Journal of Cell Science
M Hatzfeld, M Burba

Abstract

To examine the role of the keratin head region and its subdomains in filament assembly we constructed several deletion mutants of type I and type II keratins and analysed their in vitro IF forming capacity. The delta K8 (1-74) and delta K18 (1-56), mutants formed only soluble oligomers, predominantly tetramers with their heterotypic partners. K8 mutants that retained either the entire (delta K8 (1-64)) or nearly the entire (delta K8 (1-66)) H1 subdomain formed some short and irregular IF-like structures with K18. However, filaments never reached the normal length and more protofilamentous material was observed. Analysis of the soluble complexes in 2 M guanidine-HCl indicated that tetramer formation was impaired in the truncated molecules. The length of the deletion correlated with the degree of tetramer destabilization. These results suggest that the head domain--specifically the H1 subdomain of type II keratins-plays a direct role in IF assembly. Its functions include a stabilization of the tetramer molecule, suggesting a role in directing the alignment of dimers as well as in elongation. We also analysed whether both head domains are required or if either type I or type II head domains alone are sufficient for IF formation. H...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.