MUC16 Human
Human carcinoma cell line.
Clear colorless to pale blue frozen solution.
Greater than 60%.
Description
The Human Mucin-16 (CA125) was purified from Human carcinoma cell line.
Product Specs
Human carcinoma cell line.
Product Science Overview
Mucin-16, also known as CA125, is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein encoded by the MUC16 gene. It is a member of the mucin family, which comprises glycoproteins produced by epithelial cells to protect and lubricate the surfaces of various organs. MUC16 is particularly significant due to its role as a biomarker for ovarian cancer .
MUC16 is the largest membrane-associated mucin, consisting of more than 22,000 amino acids . It is composed of three distinct domains:
- N-terminal domain: This domain is entirely extracellular and highly O-glycosylated.
- Tandem repeat domain: This domain contains repeating amino acid sequences rich in serine, threonine, and proline.
- C-terminal domain: This domain includes multiple extracellular SEA (sea urchin sperm protein, enterokinase, and agrin) modules, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail .
The extracellular region of MUC16 can be released from the cell surface through proteolytic cleavage, which is thought to occur at a site within the SEA modules .
MUC16 is expressed on the ocular surface, respiratory tract, and female reproductive tract epithelia. Its high glycosylation creates a hydrophilic environment that acts as a lubricating barrier against foreign particles and infectious agents on the apical membrane of epithelial cells . Additionally, the cytoplasmic tail of MUC16 interacts with the cytoskeleton by binding to members of the ERM protein family .
MUC16 is best known for its application as a tumor marker, particularly in ovarian cancer. Elevated levels of CA125 in the blood can indicate the presence of ovarian cancer or other conditions, both malignant and benign . The identification of CA125 as MUC16 has led to various studies investigating its expression, functional, and mechanistic involvement in multiple cancer types .
Efforts have been made to develop MUC16-targeted therapies, primarily using antibodies against the tandem repeat domains of MUC16. However, these approaches have met with limited success . Recent studies have focused on disrupting the functional cooperation of MUC16 and its interacting partners, such as using a novel immunoadhesin HN125 to interfere with MUC16 binding to mesothelin .
