Uses
All Prestige Antibodies Powered by Atlas Antibodies are developed and validated by the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) project
(www.proteinatlas.org)and as a result, are supported by the most extensive characterization in the industry.
The Human Protein Atlas project can be subdivided into three efforts: Human Tissue Atlas, Cancer Atlas, and Human Cell Atlas. The antibodies that have been generated in support of the Tissue and Cancer Atlas projects have been tested by immunohistochemistry against hundreds of normal and disease tissues and through the recent efforts of the Human Cell Atlas project, many have been characterized by immunofluorescence to map the human proteome not only at the tissue level but now at the subcellular level. These images and the collection of this vast data set can be viewed on the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) site by clicking on the Image Gallery link. To view these
protocols and other useful information about Prestige Antibodies and the HPA, visit .
General Description
MCAM (melanoma cell adhesion molecule) is a vascular endothelium expressed cell adhesion molecule. It is ectopically expressed by malignant melanoma cells. It belongs to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily. MCAM gene is a single copy gene which is localized to human chromosome 11q23, spanning 15kb and containing 16 exons. The encoded product is a transmembrane glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 113-119kDa. It is also expressed by smooth muscle cells and a subtype of activated T-cells.
Biochem/physiol Actions
MCAM (melanoma cell adhesion molecule) gene is linked to higher relapse probabilities in melanoma patients. It is thought to play roles in signal transduction, development, cell migration, differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, angiogenesis and inflammatory responses. In mice, this gene is linked with tumor thickness and metastatic capabilities of human melanoma cells. The expression of this gene has potential as a prognostic marker, where the expression could correlate to poor or good outcome in melanoma patients. In late-stage osteoarthritis, this protein has potential as a marker for cartilage progenitor cell population. In gastric cancer (GC) patients, the expression of this gene is linked with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. Its expression is also linked to the loss of E-cadherin, and epithelial marker, and the gain of mesenchymal markers nuclear β-catenin and vimentin. Thus, in GC, this gene might be linked with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor progression.
