Cytokeratin 18 Inhibitors

Common Cytokeratin 18 Inhibitors include, but are not limited to Betulinic Acid CAS 472-15-1, Matrine CAS 519-02-8, Emodin CAS 518-82-1, Parthenolide CAS 20554-84-1 and Linalool CAS 78-70-6.

Cytokeratin 18 inhibitors are a class of chemical compounds specifically designed to target and inhibit the function of Cytokeratin 18 (CK18), a type I intermediate filament protein that is primarily expressed in epithelial cells. CK18, along with its partner cytokeratin 8 (CK8), plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and mechanical resilience of epithelial cells by forming a cytoskeletal network that supports the cellular architecture. This network is essential for various cellular functions, including the maintenance of cell shape, resistance to mechanical stress, and the organization of cellular organelles. CK18 is also involved in regulating intracellular signaling pathways that influence cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. By inhibiting CK18, researchers can disrupt these structural and signaling functions, providing a means to study the specific contributions of CK18 to epithelial cell biology.

In research settings, Cytokeratin 18 inhibitors are valuable tools for exploring the role of CK18 in the maintenance of epithelial tissue integrity and the broader implications of intermediate filament disruption. By blocking CK18, scientists can investigate how the loss of this protein affects the stability and organization of the cytoskeleton, leading to alterations in cell shape, motility, and the ability to withstand mechanical stress. Additionally, CK18 inhibition allows researchers to study the effects on cellular signaling pathways that are influenced by the intermediate filament network, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms by which CK18 regulates cell survival, apoptosis, and other critical cellular processes. Through these studies, Cytokeratin 18 inhibitors contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between the cytoskeleton and cellular signaling, the role of CK18 in epithelial cell function, and the broader significance of intermediate filaments in maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis.