Oral epithelium has regional diversity corresponding to functional needs as it is subjected to different forms and intensity of stress which demand tougher epithelial cells. The keratins’ are most diverse and an outstanding group of proteins belonging to the intermediate filament (IF) family which constitute about 80% of the total protein content. Keartins are classified into 20 major groups starting from K1 to K20. In epidermal cells, keratin intermediate filaments connect with desmosomes to form extensive cadherin - mediated cytoskeletal architectures. Koulis et al explored the biochemical nature of the connections between keratin filaments and desmosomes in epidermal keratinocytes. Biosynthesis occurs in 2 phases – In an initial phase, keratin production keeps pace with the increasing rate of total protein synthesis. In second phase, keratin production outpaces total protein synthesis and / or nonkeratin proteins are selectively degraded.Keratin expression in normal tissue works for the following keratinisation, also functions in glandular tissue.
