s100A4 Antibody

S100 Calcium Binding Protein A4 (S100A4), also known as metastasin, is a member of the S100 family of proteins. These proteins are characterized by their ability to bind calcium ions through EF-hand motifs, which are helix-loop-helix structural domains . S100A4 is encoded by the S100A4 gene located on chromosome 1q21 in humans .

S100A4 contains two EF-hand calcium-binding domains and is primarily localized in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus of cells . The protein is expressed in a variety of tissues, including the synovial joint, monocytes, granulocytes, and the palpebral conjunctiva . In mice, S100A4 is expressed in tissues such as the lip, lens, ovary, esophagus, urinary bladder, spleen, and white adipose tissue .

S100A4 plays a crucial role in several cellular processes:

• Cell Motility and Invasion: S100A4 is involved in promoting cell motility and invasion, which are essential for processes like wound healing and cancer metastasis .
• Tubulin Polymerization: It aids in the polymerization of tubulin, a key component of the cytoskeleton .
• Angiogenesis: S100A4 stimulates angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which is vital for tumor growth and wound healing .
• Inflammation: The protein is a potent trigger of inflammatory processes and induces the release of cytokines and growth factors under various pathological conditions .

S100A4 is notably implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. It supports tumorigenesis by stimulating angiogenesis and enhancing the invasive capabilities of cancer cells . Research has shown that S100A4 synergizes with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to promote endothelial cell migration and increase matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity .

Given its role in cancer and inflammation, S100A4 is considered a potential therapeutic target. Inhibiting S100A4 function could potentially reduce tumor growth and metastasis, as well as alleviate inflammatory conditions .