Description_x000D_ General description_x000D_ Cytokeratin 18 (45 kDa) is the primary type I keratin expressed in simple epithelial cells. Epithelial cells and their derivatives characteristically contain intermediate filaments (IFs) composed of about 20 related polypeptides with molecular weights between 40,000-69,000. Each epithelial tissue has a specific and stable pattern of expression of some of these cytokeratin subunits. Epithelium derived tumors maintain the expression of the cytokeratins found in the normal tissue of origin. Therefore, carcinomas can be identified and classified by immunocytochemical staining with antibodies that react specifically with cytokeratins._x000D_ Monoclonal Anti-Cytokeratin Peptide 18 (mouse IgG1 isotype) is derived from the hybridoma produced by the fusion of mouse myeloma cells and splenocytes from an immunized mouse. Cytokeratin 18 (CK18)/keratin 18 is a structural protein and is present in single-layer epithelia. It is located on human chromosome 12q13._x000D_ Specificity_x000D_ 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._x000D_ Immunogen_x000D_ human epidermal carcinoma A-431 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines._x000D_ Application_x000D_ Monoclonal Anti-Cytokeratin Peptide 18 antibody produced in mouse has been used in:_x000D_ • immunofluorescence_x000D_ • fluorescence microscopy_x000D_ • confocal fluorescence microscopy_x000D_ • immunolabelling_x000D_ • histoblots_x000D_ Disclaimer_x000D_ Unless otherwise stated in our catalog or other company documentation accompanying the product(s), our products are intended for research use only and are not to be used for any other purpose, which includes but is not limited to, unauthorized commercial uses, in vitro diagnostic uses, ex vivo or in vivo therapeutic uses or any type of consumption or application to humans or animals._x000D_ Biochem/physiol Actions_x000D_ Keratins help to maintain structural integrity. They also control Fas?mediated apoptosis and regulate cell size and protein synthesis. Cytokeratin 18 (CK18) plays a major role in the development of lung cancer. It acts as a therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). CK-18 is considered as a promising plasma biomarker to identify patients with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome.