Anti-CD146/MCAM Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody for WB, IHC-P, IF/ICC, ELISA - P43121

Core Product Specifications and Parameters

Biological Background: CD146/MCAM Function and Localization

• The CD146/MCAM protein, also known as cell surface glycoprotein MUC18, melanoma cell adhesion molecule, S-endo 1 endothelial-associated antigen, and MUC18, is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily involved in cell adhesion.
• It plays a critical role in maintaining endothelial monolayer cohesion at intercellular junctions in vascular tissue, contributing to vascular integrity.
• CD146/MCAM is implicated in tumor progression, particularly in melanoma, where its expression facilitates interactions between melanoma cells and the vascular system, potentially enhancing hematogenous metastasis.
• This receptor triggers intracellular signaling events, including tyrosine phosphorylation of FYN and PTK2/FAK1, and a transient increase in intracellular calcium concentration.
• The protein is localized to the plasma membrane (membrane) and is characterized by immunoglobulin-like domains, disulfide bonds, and extensive N-linked glycosylation, which are essential for its adhesive functions.
• Tissue expression is predominantly in endothelial cells throughout the vasculature, and it is also found on neural crest cells during embryonic migration. In normal adult tissues, expression is mainly restricted to vascular smooth muscle, but it is highly expressed in advanced primary and metastatic melanoma lesions.
• As indicated by UniProt keywords, CD146/MCAM undergoes alternative splicing and post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, which may regulate its activity and interactions.

Experimental Guidance and Technical Tips

• The immunogen corresponds to amino acids 26-350 of human CD146/MCAM (NP_006491.2), encompassing the extracellular region; users may consider this when assessing epitope accessibility in different applications.
• For Western blot (WB), the predicted molecular weight is ~72 kDa, but due to glycosylation, the observed band may appear at a higher molecular weight; it is advisable to verify the specific band pattern in the relevant sample system.
• When performing immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) or immunofluorescence (IF/ICC), appropriate fixation and antigen retrieval methods should be optimized, especially given that the antigen is a membrane protein.
• Cross-reactivity with mouse and rat samples is reported, but researchers should validate performance in their specific model systems, as epitope conservation may vary.
• ELISA and other plate-based assays can be developed using this polyclonal antibody, but titration and specificity controls are recommended to ensure robust signal.

CamelBio: Your One-Stop Sourcing Bridge

CamelBio is dedicated to providing diagnostic manufacturers, research laboratories, and institutes with streamlined access to high-quality IVD raw materials. Whether you need validated antibody pairs, optimized monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies, bulk ancillary reagents, or rare-target sourcing, we serve as a reliable one-stop bridge from concept to clinic. Our portfolio supports critical areas such as cell adhesion and cancer metastasis research, empowering your assay development and biomarker studies with comprehensive supply solutions.