Cytokeratin HMW AE3 (AE3), MMab

Summary and Explanation

Cytokeratins are intermediate-filament keratins found in the intracytoplasmic cytoskeleton of epithelial tissue. There are two types of cytokeratins: the low-weight, acidic Type I cytokeratins and the high-weight, basic or neutral Type II cytokeratins. Cytokeratins are usually found in pairs comprising a Type I cytokeratin and a Type II cytokeratin. Expression of these cytokeratins is frequently organ or tissue-specific.

Cytokeratin HMW AE3 antibody is capable of recognizing all basic cytokeratins; therefore, it is a broadly reactive antibody staining most epithelia and their neoplasms. Cytokeratin HMW AE3 antibody stains normal and neoplastic cells of epithelial origin. CK HMW is primarily found in the non-squamous epithelia and is present in the majority of Adenocarcinomas and Ductal Carcinomas. It is absent in Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Hepatocellular Carcinomas are defined by the use of antibodies that recognize only cytokeratin 8 and 18.