Cytokeratin 14

Cytokeratin 14 is a Type I polypeptide found in basal cells of squamous epithelia, some glandular epithelia, myoepithelium, and mesothelial cells. It is usually found as a heterotetramer with two cytokeratin 5 molecules, and a Type II keratin. Together, they form the cytoskeleton of epithelial cells. Mutations in the genes for these cytokeratins are associated with Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex.

Cytokeratin 14 has been studied as a prognostic marker in Breast Cancer. This antibody labels the basal layer of stratifying squamous and non-squamous epithelia. The staining pattern is cytoplasmic. It recognizes Basal Cell Carcinomas and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Anti-CK14 has been demonstrated to be useful in differentiating Squamous Cell Carcinomas from other epithelial tumors. This antibody has also been useful in separating oncocytic tumors of the kidney from renal mimics, as well as in determining metaplastic Carcinomas of the Breast.

Anti-Cytokeratin 14 is a mouse monoclonal antibody derived from cell culture supernatant that is concentrated, dialyzed, filter sterilized and diluted in buffer pH 7.5, containing BSA and sodium azide as a preservative.

1. Reis-Filho JS, et al. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2003;Mar;11(1):1-8
2. Chu PG, et al. Histopathology. 2001;Jul;39(1):9-16
3. Chu PG, Weiss LM. Histopathology. 2001;Nov;39(5):455-62
4. Dabbs David J, Diagnostic Immunohistochemistry. Churchill-Livingstone. 2002;166-176

1. Cut and mount 3-4 micron formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues on positive charged slides.
2. Air dry for 2 hours at 58° C.
3. Deparaffinize, dehydrate and rehydrate tissues.
4. Subject tissues to heat epitope retrieval using a suitable retrieval solution such as ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate (BSB 0020-BSB 0023) or EDTA (BSB 0030-BSB 0033).
5. Any of three heating methods may be used:
   • Electric Pressure Cooker
     Place standoff rack at base of pressure cooker. Add 1-2 inches of distilled water to the pressure cooker and turn heat to high, and incubate for 15 minutes. Open and immediately transfer slides to room temperature.
   • Water Bath Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a water bath set at 95°-99° C. Incubate for 30-60 minutes.
   • Conventional Steamer Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a Steamer, cover and steam for 30-60 minutes.
6. After heat treatment, transfer slides in ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA to room temperature and let stand for 15-20 minutes.
7. Wash slides with IHC wash buffer or DI water.
8. Continue IHC staining protocol.