Anti-MCAM

CD146,also known as melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) or MUC18,originally identified as a biomarker of melanoma progression,is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily . Structurally,it consists of five Ig domains,a transmembrane domain,and a cytoplasmic region. In normal adult tissue,CD146 is primarily expressed by vascular endothelium and smooth muscle. CD146 is a key cell adhesion protein in vascular endothelial cell activity and angiogenesis,and has been used as marker of circulating endothelium cells (CECs) . Protein function: Plays a role in cell adhesion, and in cohesion of the endothelial monolayer at intercellular junctions in vascular tissue. Its expression may allow melanoma cells to interact with cellular elements of the vascular system, thereby enhancing hematogeneous tumor spread. Could be an adhesion molecule active in neural crest cells during embryonic development. Acts as surface receptor that triggers tyrosine phosphorylation of FYN and PTK2/FAK1, and a transient increase in the intracellular calcium concentration. [The UniProt Consortium]