Keratin 14 is a novel interaction partner of keratinocyte differentiation regulator: receptor-interacting protein kinase 4

According to our results, the N-terminal kinase domain of RIPK4 is responsible for KRT14–RIPK4 interaction; however, the RIPK4 kinase activity is dispensable for the interaction. In accordance with their interaction, RIPK4 and KRT14 colocalize within the cells, particularly at keratin filaments associated with perinuclear ring-like structures. Moreover, RIPK4 did not show any effect on KRT14/KRT5 heterodimer formation. Our results suggest that RIPK4 may regulate the keratin turnover required for keratinocyte differentiation through interacting with KRT14.