Cytokeratins in Health and Disease

Objective: Cytokeratins are epithelium-specific intermediate filaments. Their altered expression is evident in various benign, hyperplastic and neoplastic lesions. This review provides an in-depth description of cytokeratin expression patterns in odontogenesis; normal development, hyperplastic/benign and malignant lesions or conditions. Materials and methods: Cytokeratin expression can be studied by numerous techniques like immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization. Results: The variable expressivity of cytokeratins is a subject of continuous deliberation and ongoing research. This paper gives an in-depth analysis of cytokeratin expression in a variety of epithelial tissues. Conclusion: Cytokeratins are universal indicators of epithelium specificity. An alteration of expression can be well understood by means of a proper understanding of their normal presence.