Cytokeratin 17 Antibody

Overview

Cytokeratin 17 (CK17) is a member of the Cytokeratin subfamily of intermediate filament proteins (IF's). It is unique in that it is normally expressed in the basal cells of complex epithelia but not in stratified or simple epithelia. CK17 is expressed in the nail bed, hair follicle, sebaceous glands and other epidermal appendages. Antibody to CK17 is an excellent tool to distinguish myoepithelial cells from luminal epithelium of various glands such as mammary, sweat and salivary. CK17 is expressed in epithelial cells of various origins, such as bronchial epithelial cells and skin appendages. It may be considered an epithelial stem cell marker because CK17 Ab marks basal cell differentiation. CK17 can be useful when included in a panel of antibodies against TTF-1, napsin A, CK5&6, p63, and SOX-2 for diagnostic differentiation between lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCLC), especially for poorly-differentiated lung carcinoma. CK17 is expressed in SCLC much higher than in LADC. In breast carcinomas, approximately 20% of patients show no expression of ER, PR and Her2, which are defined as triple negative tumor. Eighty-five percent of the triple negative breast carcinomas immunoreact with basal cytokeratins including anti-CK17. Also important is that cases of triple negative breast carcinoma with expression of CK17 show an aggressive clinical course. The histologic differentiation of ampullary cancer, intestinal vs. pancreatobiliary, is very important for treatment. Usually anti-CK17 and anti-MUC1 immunoreactivity represents pancreatobiliary subtype whereas anti-MUC2 and anti-CDX-2 positivity defines intestinal subtype.

This anti-Cytokeratin 17 antibody is supplied as Purified (Mouse, Monoclonal (mouse origin), clone SPM560, Mouse IgG2b, kappa, Unconjugated) and is designed to support common target-detection workflows after the on-page specifications.

Key elements and design rationale

• Target: Cytokeratin 17
• Format: Purified
• Localization: Cytoplasmic
• Species reactivity: Human
• Applications (listed): FACS, IHC-P, WB
• Conjugate: Unconjugated
• Clone and antibody class: Monoclonal (mouse origin), clone SPM560, Mouse IgG2b, kappa

Because antibody performance can depend on epitope context, sample preparation, and biological state, interpret signals using appropriate controls and orthogonal evidence when possible.

Biological background

Cytokeratin 17 is referenced in public gene/protein resources (e.g., UniProt and NCBI Gene), which provide curated names/synonyms, protein features, and pathway context. When designing assays, consider potential isoforms, post-translational modifications, and cell-type specific expression that may influence observed signal.

Research relevance and current trends

• Profiling Cytokeratin 17 expression across model systems, perturbations, and time points to support mechanistic hypotheses.
• Combining antibody-based detection with multi-omics or imaging readouts to link Cytokeratin 17 signal with phenotype.
• Using well-matched controls (isotype controls, genetic perturbations, or independent reagents) to strengthen interpretation of target-associated signal.

Common research applications

• FACS
• IHC-P
• WB

Use the listed applications as a starting point and tailor experimental design to your sample type and readout requirements.

Notes for experimental interpretation

• Specificity considerations: closely related family members, isoforms, or PTMs can affect apparent specificity; confirm with independent approaches when critical.
• Controls: include negative controls and, when feasible, genetic or pharmacologic perturbations to support target attribution in your system.
• Species and sample context: differences in sequence, expression, fixation, or extraction conditions can change signal behavior across models.

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.