Anti-Glypican 3 antibody [GPC3/863]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Glypican 3 also known as GPC3 is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan with a core protein mass of approximately 70 kDa. This target is anchored to the external cell membrane through a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Glypican 3 is expressed mainly in tissues such as the liver and kidneys and plays a role in modulating cell growth and development. In research studies it is often studied in various species including in the mouse and cynomolgus monkey models where it's referred to as mouse glypican 3 and cynomolgus glypican 3 respectively.

Biological function summary

Glypican 3 is involved in the modulation of signaling pathways that control cell proliferation and differentiation. It does not function as an isolated element; it has a role as part of a complex network that interacts with growth factors morphogens and other proteoglycans. Glypican 3 assists in the regulation of important biological events by influencing the accessibility and activity of signaling molecules on the cell surface. Its heparan sulfate chains interact with multiple proteins modifying their function and availability.

Pathways

Glypican 3 plays a significant part in the Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathways. In the Wnt pathway it regulates the distribution and gradient formation of Wnt proteins which are essential for proper embryonic development. In the Hedgehog pathway glypican 3 modulates the distribution and activity of Hedgehog proteins important for tissue patterning and organogenesis. Other proteins closely related to glypican 3 in these pathways include those from the frizzled family in the Wnt pathway and Patched proteins in the Hedgehog pathway.

Associated diseases and disorders

Glypican 3 has a strong connection to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS). In HCC increased expression of glypican 3 is often observed which associates it with tumor growth and proliferation. It functions alongside other oncogenic factors like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) which is another marker for liver cancer. In SGBS mutations in the GPC3 gene result in defects in cellular signaling pathways leading to developmental abnormalities. This syndrome highlights the impact of glypican 3 on growth regulation and its interactions with insulin-like growth factors (IGFs).