Anti-CD146/MCAM Antibody Picoband®

Overview

This antibody is intended for detection of MCAM (Cell surface glycoprotein MUC18) in biological samples using common immunoassay formats. It is typically selected based on target identity, species reactivity, clonality/clone information, and detection modality.

Vendor notes: Boster Bio Anti-CD146/MCAM Antibody catalog # RP1050. Tested in IHC, WB applications. This antibody reacts with Human. The brand Picoband indicates this is a premium antibody that guarantees superior quality, high affinity, and strong signals with minimal background in Western blot applications. Only our best-performing antibodies are designated as Picoband, ensuring unmatched performance.

Key elements and design rationale

• Antibody format: Rabbit Polyclonal Rabbit IgG
• Immunogen / epitope context: E.coli-derived human CD146 recombinant protein (Position: H59-A401). Human CD146 shares 73% amino acid (aa) sequence identity with both mouse and rat CD146. (reported region: H59-A401).
• Molecular weight context: reported MW: 120 kDa; calculated MW: 71607 MW
• Reactivity: Human
• Applications: IHC, WB

As a polyclonal antibody, the reagent recognizes multiple epitopes on the target, which can improve detection robustness but may increase sensitivity to sample-dependent epitope changes.

Biological background

Cell surface glycoprotein MUC18; Cell surface glycoprotein MUC18. CD146 (cluster of differentiation 146), also known as the melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) or cell surface glycoprotein MUC18, is a 113kDa cell adhesion molecule currently used as a marker for endothelial cell lineage. MCAM, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is homologous to several cell adhesion molecules and is associated with tumor progression and the development of metastasis in human malignant melanoma. By radiation hybrid analysis, this gene is mapped to chromosome 11q23.3. MCAM has been demonstrated to appear on a small subset of T and B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of healthy individuals. MCAM has been seen as a marker for mesenchymal stem cells isolated from multiple adult and fetal organs, and its expression may be linked to multipotency mesenchymal stem cells with greater differentiation potential express higher levels of MCAM on the cell surface. Functional note: Plays a role in cell adhesion, and in cohesion of the endothelial monolayer at intercellular junctions in vascular tissue. Its expression may allow melanoma cells to interact with cellular elements of the vascular system, thereby enhancing hematogeneous tumor spread. Could be an adhesion molecule active in neural crest cells during embryonic development. Acts as surface receptor that triggers tyrosine phosphorylation of FYN and PTK2/FAK1, and a transient increase in the intracellular calcium concentration. . Reported localization: Membrane; Single-pass type I membrane protein. Expression/tissue context: Detected in endothelial cells in vascular tissue throughout the body. May appear at the surface of neural crest cells during their embryonic migration. Appears to be limited to vascular smooth muscle in normal adult tissues. Associated with tumor progression and the development of metastasis in human malignant melanoma. Expressed most strongly on metastatic lesions and advanced primary tumors and is only rarely detected in benign melanocytic nevi and thin primary melanomas with a low probability of metastasis.

Research relevance and current trends

• Cancer: Researchers commonly examine how MCAM (Cell surface glycoprotein MUC18) relates to this theme using model systems and orthogonal readouts.
• Cell Adhesion: Researchers commonly examine how MCAM (Cell surface glycoprotein MUC18) relates to this theme using model systems and orthogonal readouts.
• Cell Adhesion Molecules: Researchers commonly examine how MCAM (Cell surface glycoprotein MUC18) relates to this theme using model systems and orthogonal readouts.

Common research applications

• Western blotting: compare relative MCAM (Cell surface glycoprotein MUC18) levels across conditions; band patterns may reflect isoforms and processing.
• IHC/IHC-F: assess spatial distribution of MCAM (Cell surface glycoprotein MUC18) across tissue regions and cell types using matched controls.

Notes for experimental interpretation

• Specificity notes: No cross reactivity with other proteins.
• Cross-reactivity: No cross-reactivity with other proteins
• Family / similarity context: Contains 3 Ig-like C2-type (immunoglobulin-like) domains.
• Isoforms and PTMs: Apparent size and signal patterns can differ across splice isoforms, proteolytic processing, and post-translational modifications.
• Controls: Include an isotype control (as relevant), no-primary control for imaging, and orthogonal validation such as KD/KO samples when available.

Customization & Add-ons: Can’t find the antibody you need—or require a custom format for your assay? We can help you source the best match or support custom antibody solutions for diverse research needs, including species and isotype selection, conjugations and labeling (e.g., HRP/AP, biotin, fluorophores), purification grade options (Protein A/G, affinity purified), formulation preferences (buffer selection, carrier-free, glycerol-free), custom concentrations and aliquoting, low-endotoxin options for cell-based work, and application-focused QC/validation support (project dependent). Click Talk to a Scientist to submit a request, email us at support@biohippo.com, or explore our Research Services for additional support—our team will follow up with feasibility details and next steps.