Anti-MUC18 / CD146 / MCAM (Melanoma Cell Adhesion Molecule) Monoclonal Antibody

The human Mel-CAM gene maps to chromosome 11q23 and encodes a trans-membrane glycoprotein, also designated MCAM, MUC 18 or CD146, that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and functions as a Ca2+-independent cell adhesion molecule. Mel-CAM expression is restricted to advanced primary and metastatic melanomas and to cell lines of the neuroectodermal lineage, but not normal melanocytes. Mel-CAM is found on 80% of advanced primary human melanomas and correlates well with development of metastatic disease.

Cell surface glycoprotein MUC18; Cell surface glycoprotein P1H12; Melanoma cell adhesion molecule; Melanoma-associated antigen A32; Melanoma-associated antigen MUC18; S-endo 1 endothelial-associated antigen; CD146; MCAM; MUC18

Detected in endothelial cells in vascular tissue throughout the body. May appear at the surface of neural crest cells during their embryonic migration. Appears to be limited to vascular smooth muscle in normal adult tissues. Associated with tumor progression and the development of metastasis in human malignant melanoma. Expressed most strongly on metastatic lesions and advanced primary tumors and is only rarely detected in benign melanocytic nevi and thin primary melanomas with a low probability of metastasis.

Cancer, Cell Adhesion, Cell Adhesion Molecules, Cell Type Markers, Cytoskeleton/ECM, Immunology, Invasion/Microenvironment, Signal Transduction, Stem Cells

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. .

Antibody with azide - store at 2 to 8°C. Antibody without azide - store at -20 to -80°C. Antibody is stable for 24 months. Non-hazardous. No MSDS required.