Anti-CD68 Antibody

Overview

Anti-CD68 Antibody is an antibody reagent for detection of CD68 (gap junction protein alpha 1). Researchers commonly use anti-CD68 antibodies to measure relative expression and localization across biological samples, with assay selection guided by the listed applications (WB, IHC, IF, Flow, ELISA).

Boster Bio Anti-CD68 Antibody Picoband® catalog # A00602-1. Tested in ELISA, IF, IHC applications. This antibody reacts with Human.

Key elements and design rationale

• Target: CD68 (gap junction protein alpha 1). Alternative names: Gap junction alpha-1 protein; Connexin-43; Cx43; Gap junction 43 kDa heart protein; GJA1; GJAL
• Antibody format: Polyclonal; Rabbit IgG
• Species context: Host: Rabbit, Reactivity: Human
• Purification: Immunogen affinity purified.
• Immunogen: E.coli-derived human CD68 recombinant protein (Position: K154-L354).
• Molecular weight context: observed 26 kDa (reported)
• Provided application(s): WB, IHC, IF, Flow, ELISA

These attributes help contextualize how the antibody is commonly selected (host/clonality/isotype/label) and how signals are interpreted across sample types and assay formats.

Biological background

Function: Gap junction protein that acts as a regulator of bladder capacity. A gap junction consists of a cluster of closely packed pairs of transmembrane channels, the connexons, through which materials of low MW diffuse from one cell to a neighboring cell. May play a critical role in the physiology of hearing by participating in the recycling of potassium to the cochlear endolymph. Negative regulator of bladder functional capacity: acts by enhancing intercellular electrical and chemical transmission, thus sensitizing bladder muscles to cholinergic neural stimuli and causing them to contract. May play a role in cell growth inhibition through the regulation of NOV expression and localization. Plays an essential role in gap junction communication in the ventricles.

Cellular localization: Endoplasmic reticulum. Cell membrane. Multi-pass membrane protein. Gap junction.

Tissue details: Expressed in the heart and fetal cochlea.

Background: CD68, cluster of differentiation, is a 110-kD transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed by human monocytes and tissue macrophages. CD68 is a member of a family of hematopoietic mucin-like molecules that includes leukosialin/CD43 and stem cell antigen CD34. The CD68 gene is mapped to 17p13.1. Immunohistochemistry can be used to identify the presence of CD68, which is found in the cytoplasmic granules of a range of different blood cells. It is particularly useful as a marker for the various cells of the macrophage lineage, including monocytes, histiocytes, giant cells, Kupffer cells, and osteoclasts. This allows it to be used to distinguish diseases of otherwise similar appearance, such as the monocyte/macrophage and lymphoid forms of leukaemia (the latter being CD68 negative). Its presence in macrophages also makes it useful in diagnosing conditions related to proliferation or abnormality of these cells, such as malignant histiocytosis, histiocytic lymphoma, and Gaucher's disease.

Cross reactivity: No cross-reactivity with other proteins.

Research relevance and current trends

• Quantitative and spatial profiling: expression patterns are increasingly studied across cell states using multiplex imaging and omics-informed validation.
• Isoforms and post-translational modifications: researchers often evaluate how isoform composition and PTMs can shift apparent molecular weight or localization.
• Context-aware interpretation: comparative studies commonly include perturbations (stimulation, inhibition, genetic models) to relate target changes to pathway behavior.

Common research applications

• Western blot (WB): compare relative target abundance and apparent size shifts (e.g., isoforms/PTMs) across conditions.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): assess distribution across tissue compartments and compare staining patterns between groups.
• Immunofluorescence / ICC: evaluate subcellular localization and co-localization with compartment markers.
• Flow cytometry: quantify target-positive populations and compare shifts after stimulation or differentiation.

Across these uses, researchers typically interpret changes in signal as relative differences between matched sample groups, considering sample preparation and biological context.

Notes for experimental interpretation

• Apparent molecular weight can vary due to isoforms, proteolysis, glycosylation, phosphorylation, and sample preparation differences.
• Species reactivity and epitope conservation can influence observed signal patterns, especially in cross-species studies.
• Control concepts: include appropriate negative controls (e.g., isotype controls where relevant) and, when feasible, genetic or orthogonal controls (KO/KD, peptide competition, or independent assays) to support interpretation.

For antibody reagents, monoclonal antibodies are often chosen for epitope consistency across lots, while polyclonals may recognize multiple epitopes and can show different background characteristics depending on context.

Customization & Add-ons: Can’t find the antibody you need—or require a custom format for your assay? We can help you source the best match or support custom antibody solutions for diverse research needs, including species and isotype selection, conjugations and labeling (e.g., HRP/AP, biotin, fluorophores), purification grade options (Protein A/G, affinity purified), formulation preferences (buffer selection, carrier-free, glycerol-free), custom concentrations and aliquoting, low-endotoxin options for cell-based work, and application-focused QC/validation support (project dependent). Click Talk to a Scientist to submit a request, email us at support@biohippo.com, or explore our Research Services for additional support—our team will follow up with feasibility details and next steps.