VCAM1 Human, sf9

Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (VCAM-1), also known as CD106, is a protein encoded by the VCAM1 gene in humans . It is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, which includes antibodies and T-cell receptors . VCAM-1 plays a crucial role in the immune system by mediating the adhesion of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils to the vascular endothelium .

VCAM-1 is a type I membrane protein and a cell surface sialoglycoprotein . The protein contains six or seven immunoglobulin domains and is expressed on both large and small blood vessels, but only after the endothelial cells are stimulated by cytokines . The gene encoding VCAM-1 is alternatively spliced into two known RNA transcripts that encode different isoforms in humans .

The primary function of VCAM-1 is to mediate the adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium . This process is essential for immune surveillance and inflammation. VCAM-1 also plays a role in leukocyte-endothelial cell signal transduction and may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis . The protein is upregulated in endothelial cells by cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) .

Recombinant VCAM-1 (Human, sf9) refers to the human VCAM-1 protein produced using the sf9 insect cell expression system. This system is commonly used for producing recombinant proteins because it allows for proper protein folding and post-translational modifications . The recombinant VCAM-1 produced in sf9 cells is used in various research applications, including studies on cell adhesion, inflammation, and drug development .

VCAM-1 is a potential drug target due to its role in various diseases. For example, certain melanoma cells can use VCAM-1 to adhere to the endothelium, and it may participate in monocyte recruitment to atherosclerotic sites . Additionally, VCAM-1 is highly overexpressed in the inflamed brain, making it a target for therapeutic interventions in neuroinflammatory diseases .