Keratin 17 (KRT17) is a type I intermediate filament protein primarily expressed in basal epithelial cells, hair follicles, and certain glandular tissues. It plays a critical role in maintaining cellular structural integrity, regulating wound healing, and modulating inflammatory responses. KRT17 is dynamically regulated during tissue repair and is often overexpressed in pathological conditions, including psoriasis, inflammatory skin disorders, and various cancers. Its upregulation in carcinomas (e.g., breast, pancreatic, and cervical cancers) has been linked to aggressive tumor behavior, metastasis, and poor prognosis, making it a potential biomarker for disease progression.
KRT17 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and studying this protein in research and diagnostics. They are widely used in immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence to assess KRT17 expression patterns in normal versus diseased tissues. Commercially available monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies target specific epitopes of KRT17. enabling precise localization and quantification. Recent studies also explore KRT17's role in signaling pathways, such as mTOR and Hippo, highlighting its functional versatility beyond structural support. However, antibody specificity remains a consideration, as cross-reactivity with other keratins (e.g., KRT6 or KRT16) can occur. Validated KRT17 antibodies contribute to advancing research in epithelial biology, cancer mechanisms, and therapeutic targeting, underscoring their importance in both basic and translational medicine.