Anti-Cytokeratin Peptide 18 antibody, Mouse monoclonal

Intermediate filaments (IFs) are one of three major cytoskeletal filament assemblies in higher eukaryotes.6 Keratins (formerly known as “cytokeratins”) comprise of types I and II IF genes (given a total of 54 conserved genes) that are highly expressed primarily in epithelial cells hair and skin appendages. Cytokeratins are the largest subgroup of IF in mammals and are the predominant subtype of IFs in all epithelia.6,7 Cytokeratins form a 10-nm filaments comprised of type I and II cytokeratine heteropolymer.7

Monoclonal Anti-Cytokeratin Peptide 18 antibody specifically recognizes cytokeratin peptide 18 in human cultured cell lines as well as human tissue extracts. The antibody also shows reactivity with samples from rat1 and monkey2 origin. The antibody reacts specifically with a wide variety of simple epithelia (e.g. intestine, respiratory and urinary systems, liver and glandular epithelia). It does not react with stratified squamous epithelia (e.g. esophagus or epidermis) or with non-epithelial cells.

The antibody may be used in various immunochemical techniques including Immunoblotting (~45 kDa)3, Immunofluorescence1-2, Immunoprecipitation4 and Immunohistology5.

Cytokeratins provide the cells with structural support, resistance to chemical stresses and maintenance of a polarized cytoarchitecture.6 Each epithelial tissue has a specific expression pattern of cytokeratins, which makes them common and excellent pathology markers for tumor identification, classification and epithelial cell differentiation.6,7
Cytokeratin 18 is a member of the type I subfamily. Cytokeratin pair 8/18 forms the IF scaffold predominantly in simple epithelia such as the liver and pancreas. They have major role in the mechanical support of the cell, protein biosynthesis, protection from apoptosis, regulation of cell cycle progression, motility and organelle transport.3
Cytokeratins over and misexpression are linked to various diseases and more than 60 different disorders (termed as keratinopathies) have been linked to inherited cytokeratin changes. Cytokeratins (such as cytokeratin 18) serve as serum markers for malignant and non-neoplastic disorders and mutation of human cytokeratin 18 has also been associated with liver diseases.7

Supplied as a solution in 0.01 M phosphate buffered saline pH 7.4, containing 15 mM sodium azide as a preservative. Antibody Concentration: ~ 1.0 mg/mL

For continuous use, store at 2-8°C for up to one month. For extended storage, freeze in working aliquots. Repeated freezing and thawing is not recommended. If slight turbidity occurs upon prolonged storage, clarify the solution by centrifugation before use. Working dilution samples should be discarded if not used within 12 hours.

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