Cytokeratin 8 Antibody

Overview

Cytokeratin 8 (CK8) belongs to the type II (or B or basic) subfamily of high molecular weight cytokeratins and exists in combination with cytokeratin 18 (CK18). CK8 is primarily found in the non-squamous epithelia and is present in majority of adenocarcinomas and ductal carcinomas. It is absent in squamous cell carcinomas. Hepatocellular carcinomas are defined by the use of antibodies that recognize only cytokeratin 8 and 18. CK8 exists on several types of normal and neoplastic epithelia, including many ductal and glandular epithelia such as colon, stomach, small intestine, trachea, and esophagus as well as in transitional epithelium. Anti-CK8 does not react with skeletal muscle or nerve cells. Epithelioid sarcoma, chordoma, and adamantinoma show strong positivity corresponding to that of simple epithelia (with antibodies against CK8, CK18 and CK19). Reportedly, anti-CK8 is useful for the differentiation of lobular ('ring-like, perinuclear') from ductal ('peripheral-predominant') carcinoma of the breast.

This anti-Cytokeratin 8 antibody is supplied as Purified (Mouse, Monoclonal (mouse origin), clone SPM538, Mouse IgG1, kappa, Unconjugated) and is designed to support common target-detection workflows after the on-page specifications.

Key elements and design rationale

• Target: Cytokeratin 8
• Format: Purified
• Localization: Cytoplasmic
• Species reactivity: Human
• Applications (listed): FACS, IF, IHC-P
• Conjugate: Unconjugated
• Clone and antibody class: Monoclonal (mouse origin), clone SPM538, Mouse IgG1, 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 8 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 8 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 8 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
• IF
• IHC-P

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.