Cytokeratin 14 Antibodies

Cytokeratins (CK) are intermediate filaments of epithelial cells, both in keratinizing tissue (ie. skin) and non-keratinizing cells (ie. mesothelial cells). At least 20 different CKs can be identified. Biochemically, most members of the CK family fall into one of two classes, type I (acidic polypeptides) and type II (basic polypeptides). Belonging to the type I subfamily of low molecular weight keratins and existing in combination with keratin 5, keratin 14 distinguishes stratified epithelial cells from simple epithelial cells and is useful in identification of squamous cell carcinomas. It is considered a prognostic marker in breast carcinomas. At least one member of the acidic family and one member of the basic family is expressed in all epithelial cells.