Keratin 15 (KRT15) is a type I intermediate filament protein encoded by the *KRT15* gene, primarily expressed in the basal layer of stratified epithelia, including the epidermis, hair follicles, and other specialized epithelial tissues. As a key structural component, it contributes to cellular integrity, mechanical stability, and stress resistance. KRT15 is notably enriched in epithelial stem cells or progenitor cells, serving as a potential marker for identifying and isolating these cells in research contexts, particularly in skin biology and regenerative medicine.
Antibodies targeting KRT15 are valuable tools in both basic and clinical research. They enable the visualization and quantification of KRT15 expression via techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and Western blotting. These antibodies help delineate the spatial distribution of KRT15-positive cells within tissues, aiding studies on epithelial differentiation, wound healing, and stem cell dynamics. Clinically, altered KRT15 expression has been implicated in conditions such as skin cancers (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma), alopecia, and certain blistering disorders. KRT15 antibodies thus assist in diagnostic profiling and exploring disease mechanisms.
Recent studies also highlight KRT15's role in tumor initiation and resistance to therapy, linking it to cancer stem cell populations. However, its regulatory pathways and interactions remain under investigation. Commercially available KRT15 antibodies vary in specificity and host species, requiring validation for experimental reproducibility. Overall, KRT15 antibodies remain pivotal in advancing epithelial biology research and translational applications.