Description: This LP3K monoclonal antibody reacts with human cytokeratin 8 (K8), a 55-kDa member of the family of intermediate filament proteins. Cytokeratin 8 is a type II (or basic) keratin that is expressed in epithelial and carcinoma cells. Cytokeratins form the intracellular cytoskeletal network that maintains the integrity and stability of cells and tissues. More specifically, studies have demonstrated the involvement of cytokeratin 8 in protection against apoptosis, stress, or injury, as well as regulation of the cell cycle. This keratin is frequently co-expressed with cytokeratin 18, a type I (or acidic) keratin as a heterodimer. Although detected primarily in the cytoplasm of normal healthy cells, cytokeratin 8 has been found to localize to the plasma membrane in some tumor cells. Finally, cytokeratin 8 is phosphorylated on serine 73 in dividing cells.