Differential expression of keratins in layers of the skin

Histology reveals that skin is composed of distinct layers. Keratinocytes in the basal layer express K5/K14 heterodimers. As they move up through the skin to the spinous layer, they then express K1/K10 heterodimers. Cells in the stratum corneum are dead but nevertheless provide protection to the granular and layers below. Mutations in the K5/14 keratins heterodimer produce human blistering disease