Creatine Kinase (CK) is a dimeric enzyme composed of either M- or B-type subunits. The resulting isoenzymes are expressed at varying levels in different tissues. CK-BB, a cytoplasmic predominantly found in brain tissues, participates in energy homeostasis, reversibly catalyzing the transfer of a phosphate group between ATP and target proteins such as a creatine phosphate. CK-BB exists in normally neglible amounts in the serum of adults, overexpression of CK-BB is associated with cancers of the breast, ovary, prostate, colon, and in small-cell lung cancer. Global assessment of changes in serum levels of CK-BB, CK-MB and CK-MM, are used as a marker for myocardial infarction.

HUMAN

2-8°C (short-term); -20°C (long-term)