Cytokeratins (CKs) are intermediate filaments proteins and members of the cytokeratin protein family.1,2,3 The cytokeratin family is composed of at least 20 unique gene products, which fall into two categories: type I acidic cytokeratins, CK9-CK20, and type II neutral-basic cytokeratins, CK1-CK8.2 Each cytokeratin is composed of a central rod containing four α-helical domains, which are important for self-assembly, and non-helical head and tail domains at the N- and C-termini, respectively.2,3 Cytokeratins are major structural proteins expressed in epithelial cells and localized to the cytoplasm where they form heterozygous type I-type II pairs.1,4 They primarily function to protect epithelial cells from mechanical and non-mechanical stresses that induce cell rupture and death.5 Cytokeratins have additional isoform- and tissue-specific functions, including the modulation of protein synthesis and cell size during epithelial growth and roles in skin pigmentation. Cayman’s Cytokeratin Monoclonal Antibody (Clone C-11) can be used for flow cytometry (FC), immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blot (WB) applications. This antibody recognizes cytokeratins 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, and 18 from human samples.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
