CD146 (Mucin 18, MUC18 Glycoprotein, Melanoma Associated Antigen A32, S-endo 1 Endothelial Associated Antigen, Melanoma Adhesion Molecule Mel-CM)

Antibodies / Antibodies-CD Markers

-20°C

Supplied as a liquid in PBS, pH 7.4, 0.05% sodium azide.

Synthetic peptide derived from the internal sequence of the human MUC18 (CD146, Mel-CAM, MCAM) protein

MUC18, also known as CD146, Mel-CAM, A32 antigen, S-Endo-1, and MCAM, is an integral membrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. This protein has been localized to the cell-cell junction in all endothelial cells and has also been observed in other normal and malignant cell types. In addition to its recognized role as a calciumindependent cell adhesion molecule, MUC18 may also act as a signal transduction molecule in the recruitment of the Fyn kinase and the subsequent tyrosine-phosphorylation of intracellular proteins involved in the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. MUC18 contains a characteristic extracellular structure consisting of two variable (V) and three constant (C2) immunoglobulin homology domains, a single membrane-spanning domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. In cultured human cells, it is synthesized as a 100kD precursor and then processed into a 120kD mature form. A soluble form of CD146, ~10kD smaller than the cell-associated form, has also been identified. MUC18 was originally identified as a melanoma-associated antigen, where it acts as a progression marker. In melanoma, CD146 exhibits high levels of expression in malignant cells, correlating in frequency with increasing tumor thickness. Highest expression occurs in metastatic lesions. MUC18 has been implicated in both tumor progression and suppression; in melanoma, it promotes tumor progression by facilitating the interaction between melanoma cells and endothelial cells, while in breast carcinoma, its frequent loss suggests it as a tumor suppressor. MUC18 has also been proposed as a marker for prostate cancer, based on mRNA and protein expression levels in prostate cancer cell lines and tissues at different stages of
malignancy.

Applications:
Suitable for use in Western Blot. Other applications have not been tested.

Recommended Dilution:
Western Blot: 1-3ug/ml
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.

Storage and Stability:
May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, add sterile glycerol (40-50%), aliquot and store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.