MUC1 Human

Mucin-1 (MUC1), also known as CA15-3, is a glycoprotein that plays a significant role in cell signaling and adhesion. It is extensively O-linked glycosylated in its extracellular domain and is known for its involvement in various human carcinomas .

MUC1 is a heterodimeric complex composed of two subunits: the N-terminal alpha subunit and the C-terminal beta subunit. The alpha subunit is primarily involved in cell adhesion, while the beta subunit plays a role in cell signaling . This protein is localized to the apical membrane of epithelial cells and is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the epithelial barrier .

MUC1 is over-expressed in many types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. It is shed into the circulation, where it can be detected in the serum of patients using specific anti-MUC1 antibodies. The tumor marker assays CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 are commonly used to measure MUC1 levels in the blood . Elevated levels of MUC1 are often associated with the invasiveness and metastasization of cancer cells .

The detection of MUC1 levels in the blood is particularly useful in monitoring the progression and treatment response of breast cancer. High levels of CA 15-3 are indicative of tumor burden and can help in assessing the effectiveness of therapy . In ovarian carcinoma, elevated MUC1 concentrations have been linked to advanced disease stages and poorer overall survival rates .

The Human MUCIN 1 (CA15-3) ELISA Kit is a widely used tool for detecting and quantifying MUC1 levels in serum, plasma, and cell culture media. This solid-phase sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is designed to provide accurate and reliable measurements of MUC1, aiding in both research and clinical settings .