Synonym(s)
cell surface glycoprotein; Cluster of differentiation 146; MCAM; Melanoma cell adhesion molecule; MelCAM; MUC18
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
MCAM (CD146) is the acronym for "melanoma cell adhesion molecule", a receptor protein that functions for laminin alpha 4. The MCAM protein is encoded by the MCAM gene. Two isoforms exist, MCAM-long (MCAM-1) and MCAM-short (MCAM-2).
MCAM is a marker for (physiological) cells of the blood vessels, such as cells of the endothelial cell line, smooth muscle cells and pericytes. Furthermore, CD146 is expressed in normal tissues such as hair follicle cells, cerebellar cells, activated T cells and nasopharyngeal epithelial cells.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Gaiser MR et al (2018) Liquid biopsy to monitor melanoma patients. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 16:405-414.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer