IMP3 Antibody
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
IMP3 is an RNA-binding protein that plays a crucial role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. It binds to the 5’ untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs, influencing their stability and translation. This protein is involved in several cellular processes, including:
- Cell Proliferation: IMP3 promotes cell growth and proliferation by stabilizing mRNAs that encode for growth-promoting proteins.
- Migration and Invasion: It enhances the migratory and invasive capabilities of cancer cells, contributing to tumor progression and metastasis.
- Embryonic Development: IMP3 is highly expressed during embryogenesis, indicating its role in early development and differentiation.
IMP3 has gained significant attention in cancer research due to its overexpression in various malignancies. It is considered an oncofetal protein, meaning it is typically expressed during fetal development and re-expressed in cancerous tissues. Some key points regarding IMP3 in cancer include:
- Tumor Marker: IMP3 is used as a diagnostic marker for several cancers, including pancreatic, renal, and hepatocellular carcinomas. Its presence is often associated with poor prognosis and aggressive tumor behavior .
- Immune Evasion: IMP3 facilitates tumor immune escape by downregulating stress-induced ligands such as ULBP2 and MICB, which are recognized by immune cells. This helps tumor cells evade immune surveillance .
- Regulation of Signaling Pathways: IMP3 is involved in the regulation of critical signaling pathways, such as the MEK1/ERK pathway, which plays a role in tumor progression .
The detection of IMP3 using immunohistochemical staining has proven valuable in differentiating between various types of lymphomas and other malignancies. For instance, IMP3 staining can help distinguish nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma from T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma . This diagnostic capability underscores the importance of IMP3 in clinical pathology.
Moreover, targeting IMP3 in cancer therapy is an area of ongoing research. By inhibiting IMP3, it may be possible to reduce tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments.
