VCAM1 Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (VCAM-1), also known as CD106, is a cell surface sialoglycoprotein that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is encoded by the VCAM1 gene . VCAM-1 is primarily expressed on endothelial cells, which line the interior surface of blood vessels, and is involved in the adhesion of leukocytes (white blood cells) to the vascular endothelium .
VCAM-1 is composed of six or seven immunoglobulin-like domains . These domains are characteristic of the immunoglobulin superfamily, which includes antibodies and T-cell receptors . The protein is a type I membrane protein, meaning it spans the cell membrane once and has a large extracellular domain .
The primary function of VCAM-1 is to mediate the adhesion of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils to the vascular endothelium . This adhesion is crucial for the immune response, as it allows leukocytes to exit the bloodstream and enter tissues where they can combat infections or participate in inflammatory responses . VCAM-1 also plays a role in leukocyte-endothelial cell signal transduction, which is important for the regulation of immune cell migration .
VCAM-1 expression is induced by cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) . These cytokines increase the transcription of the VCAM1 gene and stabilize its messenger RNA (mRNA), leading to sustained expression of the protein . The promoter region of the VCAM1 gene contains functional tandem NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B) sites, which are important for its regulation .
VCAM-1 is implicated in several diseases, including atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis . In atherosclerosis, VCAM-1 mediates the adhesion of monocytes to the endothelium, which is a critical step in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques . In rheumatoid arthritis, VCAM-1 is involved in the recruitment of leukocytes to inflamed joints . Additionally, VCAM-1 is overexpressed in the inflamed brain, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions in neuroinflammatory diseases .
Human recombinant VCAM-1 is a laboratory-produced version of the protein that is used in research and therapeutic applications. It is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the VCAM1 gene into a host cell (such as bacteria or yeast) to produce the protein in large quantities. This recombinant protein can be used to study the function of VCAM-1, screen for potential drug candidates, and develop therapeutic interventions for diseases involving VCAM-1 .
