KRT18

Structural component of intermediate filaments in simple epithelial cells. Forms intermediate filaments by heterodimerizing with the type II keratin KRT8, providing mechanical stability and resilience to epithelial cells. Involved in ARHGEF40-mediated actin stress fiber formation and tensional force-induced stress fiber formation and reinforcement. Integrates into the intermediate filament network of skeletal muscle fibers alongside desmin and KRT19, contributing to force transmission (By similarity). Organization and orientation of KRT8/KRT18 filaments are responsible for the properly elongated morphology of epithelial tubules (By similarity). Also acts downstream of ROCK kinase activation as part of a positive feedback mechanism in response to cellular mechanical stress loading. Involved in the uptake of thrombin-antithrombin complexes by hepatic cells (By similarity). When phosphorylated, plays a role in filament reorganization. Involved in the delivery of mutated CFTR to the plasma membrane. Involved in interleukin-6 (IL-6)-mediated barrier protection..

Function from UniProtKB (P05783), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.