Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Xian-Guang Liu, Xing-Guang Liu, Cai-Jiao Wang, Han-Xi Wang, Xu-Xia Wang
Summary: This paper presents a case of recurrent keratoacanthoma and highlights the use of retinoic acid ointment as an adjuvant treatment after surgical resection.
WORLD JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CASES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Julie Wiedemann, Allison C. Billi, Federico Bocci, Ghaidaa Kashgari, Enze Xing, Lam C. Tsoi, Leo Meller, William R. Swindell, Rachael Wasikowski, Xianying Xing, Feiyang Ma, Mehrnaz Gharaee-Kermani, J. Michelle Kahlenberg, Paul W. Harms, Emanual Maverakis, Qing Nie, Johann E. Gudjonsson, Bogi Andersen
Summary: By using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, this study reveals the distinguishing characteristics of palmoplantar and non-palmoplantar skin, as well as the differences between palmar and plantar sites. The study uncovers an altered immune environment in palmoplantar skin and identifies specific fibroblast populations that play key roles in cell-cell communication. It also highlights major differences in basal cell fraction among the three sites and demonstrates the existence of selective epidermal differentiation trajectories. Overall, this deep characterization of palmoplantar skin provides valuable insights into the fundamental biology of human skin.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
David A. D. Parry
Summary: Epidermal appendages of birds and reptiles, including claws, scales, and feathers, have specialized physical properties that facilitate movement, thermal insulation, defence mechanisms, and/or catching prey. The mechanical attributes of these appendages originate from their fibril-matrix texture, with corneous ss-proteins and keratin intermediate filaments providing much of the required tensile properties. Understanding the detailed structures of these components and how they interact with each other is crucial for comprehending the physical properties of these tissues.
Article
Cell Biology
Bingyu Pang, Zhenlai Zhu, Chunying Xiao, Yixin Luo, Hui Fang, Yaxing Bai, Zhongbin Sun, Jingyi Ma, Erle Dang, Gang Wang
Summary: The study reveals that K17 plays a crucial role in the restoration of the epidermal barrier by regulating lipid metabolism and stabilizing keratinocytes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei-Chieh Chen, Nien-Chen Hsieh, Mao-Cong Huang, Kai-Chiang Yang, Jiashing Yu, Yang Wei
Summary: In preclinical studies, it has been found that human hair, containing keratin proteins, can be effectively used for hemostasis. However, due to the complex mixture and diverse molecular weights and structures of keratin proteins, their hemostatic capacity varies. To optimize the use of human hair keratin for hemostasis, the effects of different keratin fractions on fibrinogen precipitation were investigated. It was found that a mixture of high molecular weight keratin intermediate filaments (KIFs) and low molecular weight keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) in equal proportions yielded the most extensive precipitation of soluble fibrinogen. However, all hair protein samples showed different catalytic behaviors compared to thrombin, suggesting the potential of utilizing specific hair fractions to develop optimized hair protein-based hemostatic materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Dicle Ayca Ertek, Nazmiye Ozlem Sanli, Yusuf Ziya Menceloglu, Senem Avaz Seven
Summary: This study proposes an innovative method of combining recycled keratin from chicken feathers with polylactic acid (PLA) for use in various industries. The researchers investigated the properties of keratin-incorporated electrospun PLA films, including their structure, thermal performance, mechanical properties, morphology, antibacterial activity, and surface wetting properties. This study offers environmentally friendly, recycled, bio-based material alternatives with tunable properties for use in applications such as environmental food packaging.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
Xiaojie Qin, Chuan Yang, Yujie Guo, Jiqian Liu, Johannes H. Bitter, Elinor L. Scott, Chunhui Zhang
Summary: Keratin regeneration from chicken feathers was achieved using ultrasound and Cysteine reduction without causing damage to the chemical structure and thermal stability of the regenerated keratin. The study provides an alternative method for keratin production from feather waste, showing promise in utilization and valorization.
ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Younglan Lim, Sujin Kim, Han-Na Yoon, Nam-On Ku
Summary: Keratin 8 and Keratin 18 (K8/K18) are proteins in hepatocytes that protect the liver against toxins by regulating cell survival signaling pathways. K8/K18 binding with Akt in the Akt signaling pathway can be downregulated by phosphorylation and upregulated by mutation, affecting the stability of the Akt protein. The study findings suggest that K8/K18 expression enhances the Akt signaling pathway and protects mice from liver damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tzu-Lun Huang, Chia-Ching Chou
Summary: This study used molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the effects of keratin-related mutations on the molecular-level structure and mechanical properties. The results showed that the mutations led to differences in microstructures and mechanical properties at higher-level assemblies. These differences may impact keratin assembly at the macroscopic scale and contribute to disease development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chad M. Elason, Julia A. Clarke, Suzanne Amador Kane
Summary: Currently known structural colors in feathers are caused by light scattering from periodic or amorphous arrangements of keratin, melanin, and air within barbs and barbules that comprise the feather vane. Structural coloration in the largest part of the feather, the central rachis, is rare. Here, we report on an investigation of the physical mechanisms underlying the only known case of structural coloration in the rachis, the blue rachis of great argus (Argusianus argus) flight feathers. Spectrophotometry revealed a reflectance peak at 344 nm that is diffuse and well matched to the blue and UV-sensitive cone sensitivities of this species' visual system. A combination of electron microscopy and optical modeling confirmed blue coloration is generated by scattering from amorphous wrinkle nanostructures 125 nm deep and 385 nm apart, a new avian coloration mechanism. These findings have implications for understanding how novel courtship phenotypes arise through evolutionary modification of existing ontogenetic templates.
Article
Dermatology
Agnes Kolmodin, Nirmala P. Pandeya, Catherine M. Olsen, Jean Claude Dusingize, David C. Whiteman, Magdalena Claeson
Summary: This study from Queensland, Australia, aimed to describe the characteristics of keratoacanthomas in patients, their treatment patterns, and tumor features. The study found that most patients were male, aged 60 or above, with fair skin, and a history of actinic keratoses/keratinocyte cancers. Keratoacanthomas were commonly located on legs/feet, with excision being the most frequently used surgical method. Histopathological regression was reported in 67% of cases, suggesting potential for spontaneous resolution.
ACTA DERMATO-VENEREOLOGICA
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Simona Perta-Crisan, Claudiu Stefan Ursachi, Simona Gavrilas, Florin Oancea, Florentina-Daniela Munteanu
Summary: Keratin-rich waste, a common by-product in the agro-industry, is becoming a waste product without valorization. However, through eco-friendly and cost-effective extraction methods, this waste can be considered a treasure for producers interested in valorizing slowly-biodegradable by-products.
Article
Polymer Science
Swati Sharma, Hadis Rostamabadi, Shreya Gupta, Ashok Kumar Nadda, Mohammad Saeed Kharazmi, Seid Mahdi Jafari
Summary: This study provides an overview of the structure, features, extraction methods, and recent advances related to the application of keratin-based formulations (KFs) in various fields. Additionally, the study discusses different types of KFs and blends of keratin with natural/synthetic polymers.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jamila A. Tuly, Haile Ma, Ho-Jin Lee, Jong-Won Song, Amresh Parvez, Md Nazmus Saqib, Waleed Yaseen, Zhang Xinyan
Summary: Understanding the structural properties of keratin is crucial for its potential application in biomaterials and waste management. The molecular structure of chicken feather keratin 1 was characterized using AlphaFold2 and quantum chemistry calculation. The predicted IR spectrum was used to assign Raman frequencies of the extracted keratin. Experimental analysis showed that magnetic field treatment could affect the functional and surface structural properties of keratin, leading to a reduction in particle size. High-resolution XPS analysis confirmed the displacement of molecular elements.
Article
Oncology
Jianhua Huang, Liu Yeqiang, Wu Minfeng, Wang Xiuli, Wang Hongwei
Summary: Keratoacanthoma-like squamous cell carcinoma, often misdiagnosed as keratoacanthoma, can have aggressive growth and malignant metastasis, requiring prompt and appropriate treatment. Surgery combined with photodynamic therapy can be an effective management strategy for such cases.
PHOTODIAGNOSIS AND PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY
(2021)
