Cytokeratin

Cytokeratin is a type of protein found in the cells of various tissues, especially in the skin, hair, and nails. It plays a crucial role in providing structural support and strength to these cells, helping them maintain their shape and integrity. Cytokeratins are part of a larger group of proteins called intermediate filaments, which contribute to the overall architecture of cells. In medical contexts, cytokeratin levels can be used as markers to help identify certain diseases, including cancers, as different types of cytokeratins are present in different tissues and can indicate the origin of tumors.