Elastin is a polymeric protein and is the main component of the extracellular matrix of arteries. It is synthesized and secreted as a soluble, single-chain protein (tropoelastin), which undergoes a number of post-translational modifications prior to its organization into an elastic fiber in the extracellular space. Elastin performs a regulatory function during arterial development by controlling proliferation of smooth muscle and stabilizing arterial structure. It imparts elasticity to the connective tissue. During aging, the elasticity of connective tissue is reduced because of the cross-linking of collagenous fibers with elastin. The abnormal accumulation of elastic tissue in blood vessels is found in atherosclerosis and hypertension.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.