Recognizes a cluster of proteins between 70-80 kDa, identified as tyrosinase. Occasionally a minor band at 55 kDa is also detected. This MAb shows no cross-reaction with MAGE-1 and tyrosinase-related protein 1, TRP-1/gp75. Tyrosinase is a copper-containing metalloglycoprotein that catalyzes several steps in the melanin pigment biosynthetic pathway, the hydroxylation of tyrosine to L-3, 4-dihydroxy-phenylalanine (dopa), and the subsequent oxidation of dopa to dopaquinone. Mutations of the tyrosinase gene occur in various forms of albinism. Tyrosinase is one of the targets for cytotoxic T-cell recognition in melanoma patients. Staining of melanomas with this MAb shows tyrosinase in melanotic as well as amelanotic variants. This MAb is a useful marker for melanocytes and melanomas. 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 CF405S and CF405M 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.
