Cytoskeletal intermediate filaments (IFs) constitute a diverse group of proteins that are expressed in a highly tissue-specific manner. IFs are constructed from two-chain alpha-helicalcoiled-coil molecules arranged on an imperfect helical lattice, and have been widely used as markers for distinguishing individual cell types within a tissue and identifying the origins of metastatic tumors. Vimentin is an IF general marker of cells originating in the mesenchyme. Vimentin and Desmin, a related class III IF, are both expressed during skeletal muscle development. Desmin, a 469 amino acid protein found near the Z line in sarcomeres, is expressed more frequently in adult differentiated state tissues. Anti-desmin detects cells of normal smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscles. The antibody reacts with leiomyomas, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyomas, rhabdomyosarcoma, and perivascular cells of glomus tumors of the skin. 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.