Keratin 14

Cytokeratins (CK) are intermediate filaments of epithelial cells, both in keratinizing tissue (ie., skin) and non-keratinizing cells (ie., mesothelial cells). Although not a traditional marker for endothelial cells, cytokeratins have also been found in some microvascular endothelial cells. Atleast 20 different cytokeratins (CK) in the molecular range of 40-70 kDa and isoelectric points of 5-8.5 can be identified using two dimensional gel electrophoresis. Biochemically, most members of the CK family fall into one of two classes, type I (acidic polypeptides) and type II (basic polypeptides). At least one member of the acidic family and one member of the basic family is expressed in all epithelial cells. Monoclonal antibodies to cytokeratin proteins can be useful markers for tumor identification and classification.This antibody reacts specifically with human keratin 14 by immunoblotting. In tissue sections, it provides a positive reaction on basal cells of non-keratinizing stratified epithelia, basal cells and suprabasal cells of the epidermis and gingiva, myoepithelial cells and squamous cell carcinomas.