Product Description
Cytokeratin 18 (KRT18) is a low–molecular weight type I intermediate filament protein that forms obligate heteropolymers with type II keratins, most commonly Cytokeratin 8 (KRT8). Together, KRT8/KRT18 filaments assemble into an extensive cytoplasmic network that provides mechanical resilience, maintains epithelial architecture, and supports intracellular organization.
KRT18 is broadly expressed in simple and glandular epithelia, including intestinal, hepatic, pancreatic, renal, and ductal tissues, as well as epithelial-derived tumor cells. Its expression level, filament organization, and post-translational modification state are dynamically regulated during epithelial differentiation, stress response, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Immunostaining of Cytokeratin 18 reveals a characteristic filamentous cytoplasmic pattern, often concentrated around the perinuclear region and extending throughout the cell body. In apoptotic cells, cleaved KRT18 fragments can serve as indicators of epithelial cell death. The BioDeviceLab Cytokeratin 18 Antibody is supplied as a purified monoclonal antibody to support flexible assay design and integration across 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 phenotype and cytoskeletal integrity must be confirmed.
Intended Use
This product is intended for research applications including
• Epithelial cell identification and validation
• Cytoskeletal organization and integrity studies
• Immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry imaging
• Organoid, spheroid, and 3D culture characterization
• Organ-on-chip and microfluidic model validation
• EMT, epithelial plasticity, and stress-response studies
• Apoptosis-related epithelial marker analysis
• Biosensor, biodevice, and assay biological validation
Principle of Operation
Cytokeratin 18 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 architecture by immunofluorescence
• Assessment of epithelial integrity and filament organization
• Detection of cytoskeletal remodeling during EMT or cellular stress
• Correlation of epithelial structure with functional or signaling states
• Integration of epithelial markers with matrix or signaling readouts
Technical Information
Target antigen: Cytokeratin 18 (KRT18)
Alternative names: Keratin 18, CK18
Protein type: Type I intermediate filament protein
Approximate molecular weight: ~45 kDa
Cellular localization: Cytoplasmic intermediate filaments
Clonality: Monoclonal
Host species: Mouse
Isotype: IgG (clone dependent)
Commonly used commercial clones: DC10, CY-90, Ks18.04
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 18 is selectively expressed in simple epithelial cells and epithelial-derived tissues. 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 18 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 filamentous cytoplasmic staining performance. The antibody is designed to support reproducible analysis of epithelial cytoskeletal organization 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 biology research
• EMT and epithelial plasticity studies
• Organoid and 3D culture systems
• Organ-on-chip and microfluidic models
• Cytoskeletal organization analysis
• Apoptosis-associated epithelial marker studies
• Immunofluorescence-based epithelial phenotyping
• Biosensor and biodevice validation
