EMP-1 Polyclonal Antibody

Epithelial membrane protein-1 (EMP-1) is a four pass transmembrane protein consisting of 160 amino acids. It is a member of a small family of epithelial membrane proteins. EMP-1 is very similar in structure to its close relative, Peripheral Myelin Protein 22 (PMP22) . It is most predominantly expressed in tissues of the gastrointestinal tract but has also been found to be a junctional protein in the liver expressed along the intercellular border. EMP-1 directly interacts with the C-terminus of the P2X7 receptor and may be involved in membrane blebbing. EMP-1 may also be an important regulator in cell communication, signaling, and adhesion. When EMP-1 is overexpressed, cell proliferation is inhibited, S phase is arrested and G1 phase is prolonged in esophogeal cancer cells. EMP-1 may play a role in tumorigenesis and has been identified as a biomarker for gefitinib treatment resistance for patients with lung cancer.