CK8 Antibody / Cytokeratin 8 [clone RM266] (R20283)

Description

CK8 antibody is useful for studying Cytokeratin 8 (CK8/KRT8), a type II intermediate filament protein that serves as a major structural component of simple epithelial cells. Cytokeratin 8 typically forms heteropolymeric intermediate filaments through association with Cytokeratin 18, creating a cytoskeletal network that supports cellular architecture, mechanical stability, and resistance to physiologic stress. As one of the most widely expressed epithelial cytokeratins, CK8 plays an important role in epithelial tissue integrity and cellular homeostasis.

Cytokeratin 8 is expressed in numerous simple epithelial tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory epithelium, liver, pancreas, kidney, and many glandular structures. In addition to providing structural support, CK8 participates in cellular processes involving signal transduction, apoptosis, migration, differentiation, and stress-response pathways. Interactions between Cytokeratin 8 and intracellular signaling proteins have demonstrated that intermediate filament proteins contribute to cellular regulation beyond their traditional structural functions.

CK8 is widely used as a marker of epithelial lineage and differentiation in both research and diagnostic pathology. Because Cytokeratin 8 expression is retained in many epithelial-derived malignancies, antibodies against CK8 are frequently employed to identify carcinomas and distinguish epithelial tumors from mesenchymal, hematopoietic, or neuroectodermal neoplasms. Evaluation of CK8 expression can provide valuable information regarding tissue origin, epithelial phenotype, and tumor-associated cellular characteristics.

Altered expression or distribution of Cytokeratin 8 has been associated with epithelial injury, inflammation, tissue remodeling, and cancer progression. Changes in CK8 expression patterns have been observed in a variety of malignancies and may reflect alterations in differentiation status, invasive potential, and cellular adaptation to stress. Consequently, Cytokeratin 8 remains an important biomarker in studies examining epithelial biology, tumor development, and disease-associated changes in cytoskeletal organization.

Because of its broad epithelial distribution, CK8 is frequently incorporated into multi-marker antibody panels designed for tissue classification, tumor characterization, and studies of epithelial differentiation. Cytokeratin 8 is often evaluated alongside other cytokeratin family members to assess epithelial lineage relationships and phenotypic alterations occurring during development, disease progression, and cellular transformation.

CK8 antibodies are commonly utilized in immunohistochemistry, western blotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and related protein detection applications. These reagents support investigations of epithelial cell biology, intermediate filament organization, carcinoma pathology, tissue differentiation, and cellular stress responses. CK8 antibody tools help researchers characterize epithelial populations, evaluate tumor-associated expression patterns, and investigate the biologic functions of this important cytoskeletal protein.

Researchers seeking protein microarray validated detection of Keratin 8 for epithelial differentiation, cytoskeletal biology, and cancer research applications may also be interested in our Cytokeratin 8 Antibody page.

Application Notes

The stated application concentrations are suggested starting points. Titration of the CK8 antibody may be required due to differences in protocols and secondary/substrate sensitivity.

1. A pH6 Citrate buffer or pH9 Tris/EDTA buffer HIER step is recommended for testing of FFPE tissue sections.

Immunogen

A peptide corresponding to the C-terminus of human Cytokeratin 8 was used as the immunogen for this recombinant CK8 antibody.

Storage

Store the CK8 antibody at -20oC (with glycerol) or aliquot and store at -20oC (without glycerol).

Alternate Names

Cytokeratin 8 Antibody, Keratin 8 Antibody, KRT8 Antibody, Keratin Type II Cytoskeletal 8 Antibody, Simple Epithelial Keratin Antibody, Intermediate Filament Protein 8 Antibody