# STRUCTURAL PROTEINS IN GENETIC DEFECTS OF EPIDERMIS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 1988 · $138,901

## Abstract

While the cytokeratins are the most abundant proteins of
epidermis and epithelia, their role in the structural and functional
integration of the cell with its external environments has not been
completely described.  Detailed definition of cytokeratin
structural interactions is a prerequisite to understanding
cytoskeletal function and control in normal and diseased epithelia.
In aberrant epidermal differentation, present in such disease
states as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, warts and a group of
diseases classified as ichthyosis, there are cytokeratin alterations.
Neoplasias of the epidermis and other epithelial tissues also show
cytoskeletal changes.  The biochemical heterogeneity of the non-
helical portions of the cytokeratins appear to be a key feature in
determining the specificity of their interactions.  This structural
heterogeneity will be examined by detailed epitope mapping of
isolated keratins and keratin fragments with monoclonal
antibodies, emphasizing sites where keratins interact with each
other and with filaggrin.  These interactions will be elucidated
through the use of competition studies both in solution and by
solid-phase immunoassay using peptides generated by proteolytic
and enzymatic cleavage of keratins and by monoclonal antibody
inhibition of keratin-keratin and keratin-filaggrin interactions.
The effects of alterations in the physiological environment of the
keratinocyte and the expression of cytokeratins also will be
determined.  Changes in cytokeratin interactions induced by
alterations in calcium content, retinoid and cyclic nucleotide
level, as well as in the presence of tumor promotors, will be
examined.  With this new knowledge there will be increased
understanding of the potential consequences of the alteration of
cytoskeleton in disease states.  This will allow the development of
new and safer forms of therapy for the diseases and disorders
mentioned above since that therapy can be used with a better
understanding of the interactions involved.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3155749
- **Project number:** 5R01AR030126-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **SAM.gov UEI:** F27KDXZMF9Y8
- **Principal Investigator:** LOWELL Alan GOLDSMITH
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $138,901
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1981-07-01 → 1989-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3155749

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3155749, STRUCTURAL PROTEINS IN GENETIC DEFECTS OF EPIDERMIS (5R01AR030126-07). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3155749. Licensed CC0.

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