MCAM

Function

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 a surface receptor that triggers tyrosine phosphorylation of FYN and PTK2/FAK1, and a transient increase in the intracellular calcium concentration.

Tissue specificity

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.

Cellular localization

• Membrane
• Single-pass type I membrane protein

Alternative names

• MUC18
• MCAM
• MUC18
• 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

Database links

• entrezGene:4162
• omim:155735
• swissprot:P43121

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Oncology

Molecular weight

71607Da