Epidermal Keratin

General Product Information

Keratin is isolated from human epidermis and is supplied as a liquid in 50mM Tris, 8M Urea, 100mM β-Mercaptoethanol, 0.1% Sodium Azide, ph 8.4 ± 0.1. The protein concentration is determined by a modified Lowry Protein assay (BSA standard).

Keratin refers to two basic types of protein: the "hard" keratin found in hair contains high levels of cystine, while the "soft" epidermal keratin contains substantially lower levels of cystine and is generally less stable to alkaline conditions, reducing substances, heat, and proteolytic enzymes than the "hard" keratin. Epidermal keratin comprises more than half the dry weight of human cornified epithelium. The protein is insoluble in water and physiologic buffer solutions. Keratin isolated by Scripps Laboratories is composed of three major peptides of molecular weight 55,000 - 70,000. Other subforms can be isolated on request. Studies show that keratins are useful in the identification of certain tumor types.