Thomas Magin: "Cytoskeletal control of cell architecture,signalling and immune regulation"

Thomas Magin
Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine Leipzig

Cytoskeletal control of cell architecture,signalling and immune regulation

Keratins form the intermediate filament cytoskeleton in all epithelia including skin epidermis. In addition to providing protection against mechanical stress, some keratins participate in the regulation of protein biosynthesis. Keratin 1 (Krt1) and its heterodimer partner keratin 10 (Krt10) contribute to the formation of the epidermal barrier, crucial for protection against dehydration and inflammation. Mutations in Krt1 cause epidermolytic ichthyosis (EI) accompanied by erythema, recurrent inflammation and barrier defects.

In my talk, I will present novel data on the involvement of Krt1 in keratinocyte-specific immune regulation. We found that Krt1 in mice regulates secretion of IL-18, IL-33, TSLP and Mrp8/Mrp14 through a caspase-1-dependent mechanism. Our data uncover a novel function of KRT1 in dampening inflammasome activity and stimulation of barrier formation, thereby integrating the epidermal immune response to the keratin cytoskeleton. In view of the widespread expression of keratins, I will discuss a possible involvement of keratins in inflammatory conditions including asthma and inflammatory bowel disorders.