Keratin 8 (KRT8) is a type II intermediate filament protein encoded by the *KRT8* gene, primarily expressed in single-layer epithelial cells of tissues like the liver, pancreas, intestines, and glandular organs. As part of the keratin family, KRT8 pairs with type I keratins (e.g., KRT18) to form cytoskeletal networks that maintain cellular integrity, mechanical stability, and resistance to stress. KRT8 antibodies are immunological tools designed to detect this protein, widely used in research and diagnostics.
In pathology, KRT8 antibodies help identify epithelial-derived cancers (e.g., adenocarcinomas) and distinguish them from non-epithelial tumors. They are also employed to study epithelial injury, regeneration, and diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver fibrosis, and pancreatitis. KRT8 expression is often dysregulated during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer metastasis. However, its detection can vary depending on tissue fixation methods, necessitating antibody validation for specific applications (e.g., immunohistochemistry, Western blot).
Recent studies explore KRT8's role beyond structural support, including apoptosis regulation, signal transduction, and organelle organization. Antibodies against post-translationally modified KRT8 (e.g., phosphorylated forms) further illuminate its dynamic functions in stress responses. Despite its utility, interpreting KRT8 antibody results requires caution, as overexpression or mutations may correlate with both protective and pathogenic outcomes in tissue-specific contexts.