Product Description
Cytokeratin 8 (KRT8) is a low–molecular weight intermediate filament protein that typically forms obligate heteropolymers with type I keratins such as Cytokeratin 18 (KRT18). Together, these keratin pairs assemble into an extensive cytoplasmic filament network that provides mechanical stability, resistance to stress, and spatial organization within simple epithelial cells.
KRT8 is predominantly expressed in simple and glandular epithelia, including intestinal, hepatic, renal, and ductal tissues, as well as epithelial-derived cancer cells. Its expression pattern is tightly regulated during epithelial differentiation, tissue remodeling, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Altered KRT8 organization, abundance, or localization has been associated with epithelial dysfunction, malignant transformation, and stress-induced cytoskeletal remodeling.
Immunostaining of Cytokeratin 8 reveals a characteristic filamentous cytoplasmic network surrounding the nucleus and extending throughout the cell body. This staining pattern provides spatial insight into epithelial architecture, cytoskeletal organization, and cell–cell interactions. The BioDeviceLab Cytokeratin 8 Antibody is supplied as a purified monoclonal antibody to support flexible experimental design and integration into conventional assays as well as advanced microphysiological systems.
The antibody is compatible with standard immunostaining workflows and is well suited for use in 2D cultures, 3D organoids, spheroids, and organ-on-chip platforms where epithelial identity and integrity must be confirmed.
Intended Use
This product is intended for research applications including
• Epithelial cell identification and validation
• Cytoskeletal organization and integrity analysis
• Immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry imaging
• Organoid, spheroid, and 3D culture characterization
• Organ-on-chip and microfluidic model validation
• EMT, differentiation, and epithelial plasticity studies
• Multiplex phenotyping with epithelial and mesenchymal markers
• Biosensor, biodevice, and assay biological validation
Principle of Operation
Cytokeratin 8 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 stress responses
• Correlation of epithelial structure with functional or mechanical cues
• Integration of epithelial markers with signaling or matrix readouts
Technical Information
Target antigen: Cytokeratin 8 (KRT8)
Alternative names: Keratin 8, CK8
Protein type: Type II intermediate filament protein
Approximate molecular weight: ~54 kDa
Cellular localization: Cytoplasmic intermediate filaments
Clonality: Monoclonal
Host species: Mouse
Isotype: IgG (clone dependent)
Commonly used commercial clones: TS1, C-43, M20
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 8 is selectively enriched 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 8 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 structure 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
• Immunofluorescence-based epithelial phenotyping
• Biosensor and biodevice validation
