The Ki-67 protein, also known as MKI67, is a nuclear protein encoded by the MKI67 gene. Its gene locus is situated on chromosome 10q26.13. Ki-67 is a relatively large protein containing 3256 amino acids and a molecular weight of around 359 kDa. While Ki67 itself does not possess enzymatic activity, it serves as a marker for cellular proliferation and is widely used in research and clinical settings to assess the growth fraction of cells. Ki-67 is strictly an intracellular protein and is predominantly localized within the nucleus. Ki-67 expression is observed in various organs, tissues, and cell types throughout the body, particularly in tissues with high proliferative activity, such as the bone marrow, lymphoid tissues, and certain types of cancers. Its expression is tightly regulated by cell cycle-dependent mechanisms, with levels fluctuating in response to proliferative stimuli and growth signals.
This protein is a cell proliferation biomarker, with expression levels directly correlating with the progression of the cell cycle. During active cell cycle phases (G1, S, G2, and mitosis), Ki-67 expression increases, peaking during mitosis, and decreases during quiescent phases. In the context of disease, Ki-67 expression is frequently used as a prognostic marker in cancer patients. High Ki-67 expression levels are associated with aggressive tumor behavior, increased risk of metastasis, and poorer outcomes in several types of cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and gliomas. Furthermore, Ki-67 has been utilized as a diagnostic tool to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors and to predict the response to certain therapeutic interventions.
NeoBiotechnologies offers a variety of antibodies against Ki-67 that have been validated for ELISA, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Additionally, we hold exclusive rights to Ki-67 antibodies available for licensing or collaboration [https://www.neobiotechnologies.com/shop/?s=ki-67].
Synonyms
Proliferation marker protein Ki-67, Antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki-67, KI-67; Ki67; KI-67 Antigen (KIA); MKI67; Proliferation related Ki-67 antigen
Research Areas
Neuroscience, Nuclear Marker
