Anti-CD56 (Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule, NCAM)

CD56, a 175-220KD glycoprotein, is a member of the Ig super family. It is expressed as three major isoforms and consists of five Ig-like domains and two Fibronectin-type III domains in the extracellular region. The 135kD isoform is the basic molecule which is glycosylated or sialylated to produce the mature species. CD56 is widely expressed in nervous system, on NK cells and a specific set of Tcells. CD56+ NK cells and Tcells are unique in their ability to mediate cell-mediated cytotoxicity against certain tumor cell targets without MHC restriction. Other physiological functions of CD56 include mediating cell adhesion through homophilic and heterophilic interaction and activating intracellular signaling pathways resulting in neutrite extension and fasciculation, migration and synapses formation in brain. CD56 is also vital for neuronal development and plasticity in adult brain. It is used as a tumor marker in various cancers such as NK lymphomas and Merkel cell carcinoma. NCAM is expressed on most neuroectodermal derived lines, tissues, and neoplasms such as retinoblastoma, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, and neuroblastoma. It is also expressed on some mesodermally derived tumors such as rhabdomyosarcoma and also on natural killer cells. Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA, Immunofluorescence, Flow Cytometry, Western Blot, Immunoprecipitation and Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Flow Cytometry: 0.5-1ug/10e6 cells, Immunofluorescence: 1-2ug/ml, Western Blot: 0.5-1ug/ml, Immunoprecipitation: 1-2ug/500ug protein lysate, Immunohistochemistry (Frozen & Formalin fixed paraffin embedded): 0.5-1ug/ml/30min @ RT, Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Positive Control: Cerebellum, Pancreas, Neuroblastoma, Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.