Cytokeratins are a family of intermediate filament proteins that assemble into filaments through forming heterodimers of one type I Cytokeratins (Cytokeratins 9 to 23) and one type II Cytokeratins (keratins 1 to 8). The cytokeratin proteins play a critical role in differentiation, as well as tissue specialization and function, to maintain the overall structural integrity of epithelial cells. Cytokeratins are also useful markers in identifying the origin of metastatic tumors. Cytokeratin 16 is expressed in benign stratified squamous epithelium and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, as well as luminal cells of mammary gland and sweat ducts. It is absent in non-invasive breast carcinomas and normal breast tissue. Primary antibodies are available purified, or with a selection of fluorescent CF® Dyes and other labels. CF® Dyes offer exceptional brightness and photostability. Note: Conjugates of blue fluorescent dyes like CF®405S and CF®405M are not recommended for detecting low abundance targets, because blue dyes have lower fluorescence and can give higher non-specific background than other dye colors.