Product Description
Cytokeratin 19 (KRT19) is the smallest member of the keratin family and, unlike most keratins, lacks a typical tail domain. It is commonly co-expressed with Cytokeratin 8 and Cytokeratin 18 in simple epithelial cells and is particularly enriched in epithelial progenitor populations, ductal epithelia, and regenerative compartments.
KRT19 is broadly expressed in epithelial tissues including intestine, liver, pancreas, breast, lung, and biliary epithelium, as well as in many epithelial-derived tumors. Its expression is frequently used to identify epithelial differentiation status, epithelial plasticity, and stem-like or progenitor cell populations. Altered KRT19 expression has been associated with tissue regeneration, cancer progression, and epithelial remodeling.
Immunostaining of Cytokeratin 19 reveals a filamentous cytoplasmic pattern that may appear more diffuse than other keratins due to its unique structural properties. This staining provides spatial insight into epithelial organization, lineage identity, and heterogeneity within complex tissues and 3D models. The BioDeviceLab Cytokeratin 19 Antibody is supplied as a purified monoclonal antibody to support flexible assay design and integration into conventional and advanced in vitro platforms.
The antibody is compatible with standard immunostaining workflows and is well suited for use in 2D cultures, 3D organoids, spheroids, and organ-on-chip systems where epithelial lineage tracing and phenotyping are required.
Intended Use
This product is intended for research applications including
• Epithelial cell identification and lineage tracing
• Progenitor and stem-like epithelial cell analysis
• Immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry imaging
• Organoid, spheroid, and 3D culture characterization
• Organ-on-chip and microfluidic model validation
• Cancer biology and epithelial heterogeneity studies
• Multiplex phenotyping of epithelial subpopulations
• Biosensor, biodevice, and assay biological validation
Principle of Operation
Cytokeratin 19 is localized within the cytoplasm of epithelial cells as part of the intermediate filament network. Following appropriate fixation and permeabilization, antibody binding enables
• Visualization of epithelial cytoskeletal organization by immunofluorescence
• Identification of epithelial progenitor or ductal cell populations
• Assessment of epithelial heterogeneity within complex cultures
• Correlation of epithelial lineage markers with functional or signaling states
• Integration of epithelial identity markers with matrix or signaling readouts
Technical Information
Target antigen: Cytokeratin 19 (KRT19)
Alternative names: Keratin 19, CK19
Protein type: Type I intermediate filament protein
Approximate molecular weight: ~40 kDa
Cellular localization: Cytoplasmic intermediate filaments
Clonality: Monoclonal
Host species: Mouse
Isotype: IgG (clone dependent)
Commonly used commercial clones: RCK108, Ks19.1, A53-B/A2
Validated applications (clone dependent): IF/ICC, IHC, western blot
Typical stock concentration (industry reference): approximately 0.5 mg/mL
Reactivity: Human (other species dependent on clone validation)
Sample Volume and Typical Usage
Recommended sample volumes depend on assay format and platform and should be optimized experimentally. Common working ranges are summarized below.
Immunofluorescence / Immunocytochemistry
• Typical staining volume: 50–200 µL per sample
• Applicable to coverslips, chamber slides, well plates, tissue sections, and on-chip chambers
• Standard permeabilization is required for cytoskeletal access
Organoid and 3D Culture Staining
• Typical staining volume: 100–500 µL per sample
• Volume depends on construct size and matrix density
• Extended incubation improves antibody penetration
Microfluidic and Biodevice Platforms
• Typical staining volume: 10–100 µL per device
• Volume depends on channel geometry and chamber volume
• Flow-assisted staining may enhance uniform labeling
General notes
• Antibody concentration is more critical than absolute volume
• Maintain consistent antibody-to-cell ratios
• Optimization is recommended for each assay format
Selectivity and Compatibility
Cytokeratin 19 is selectively expressed in epithelial cells and enriched in progenitor and ductal epithelial populations. The antibody is compatible with commonly used fixation, permeabilization, and staining protocols and performs reliably across conventional culture systems, 3D models, and microengineered platforms.
Package Contents
Each unit contains
• Purified BioDeviceLab Cytokeratin 19 monoclonal antibody
• Lot-specific quality control documentation
Required Materials
• Fluorescent secondary antibody for unconjugated formats
• Fixation and permeabilization reagents
• Blocking and wash buffers
• Fluorescence microscope
• Optional isotype and negative controls
Sample Handling and Use
• Store according to label instructions
• Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles
• Optimize permeabilization for cytoskeletal staining
• Include appropriate controls for comparative analyses
Quality Control
Each lot is evaluated for binding specificity and cytoplasmic filament staining performance. The antibody is designed to support reproducible analysis of epithelial lineage and heterogeneity across diverse experimental systems.
Storage and Stability
• Store at 2–8 °C
• Do not freeze under standard storage conditions
• Protect from contamination and prolonged light exposure
• Proper storage preserves antibody stability and performance
Applications
• Epithelial lineage and progenitor research
• Organoid and 3D culture systems
• Organ-on-chip and microfluidic models
• Cancer biology and epithelial heterogeneity studies
• Cytoskeletal and epithelial marker analysis
• Immunofluorescence-based epithelial phenotyping
• Biosensor and biodevice validation
