Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
06:01
Extracellular Protein Microarray Technology for High Throughput Detection of Low Affinity Receptor-Ligand Interactions
Published on: January 7, 2019
7.7K
Epithelial membrane protein 2: Molecular interactions and clinical implications
Lawrance K Chung1, Nikhilesh S Bhatt1, Carlito Lagman1
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles, 300 Stein Plaza, Suite 420, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Summary
Epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) shows promise as a biomarker and therapeutic target for glioblastoma and other cancers. Further research into EMP2's normal biological functions is crucial for clinical translation of antibody therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) is a cell surface protein implicated in cancer prognosis.
- EMP2 is associated with glioblastoma and other human cancers.
- Its extracellular domains and matrix association make EMP2 a potential therapeutic target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on EMP2 in neuro-oncology.
- To discuss the potential of EMP2 as a biomarker and target for antibody therapies.
- To predict future research directions for clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of preclinical and translational studies.
- Analysis of EMP2's role in cancer prognosis and therapeutic targeting.
- Exploration of EMP2's molecular interactions and biological functions.
Main Results:
- Preclinical studies indicate EMP2 is linked to disease prognosis in cancers like glioblastoma.
- Antibody-based targeting of EMP2 shows potential for improved tumor control and survival in preclinical models.
- Understanding EMP2's role in normal physiology is key for clinical translation.
Conclusions:
- EMP2 is a promising target for antibody-based cancer therapies, particularly in neuro-oncology.
- Further research is needed to elucidate EMP2's function in normal tissues for safe and effective clinical application.
- Translational efforts are essential to move EMP2-targeted therapies from preclinical success to patient benefit.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
9.5K
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
9.5K
01:20Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
10.2K
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved...
10.2K
02:04Protein-protein Interfaces
14.9K
Many proteins form complexes to carry out their functions, making protein-protein interactions (PPIs) essential for an organism's survival. Most PPIs are stabilized by numerous weak noncovalent chemical forces. The physical shape of the interfaces determines the way two proteins interact. Many globular proteins have closely-matching shapes on their surfaces, which form a large number of weak bonds. Additionally, many PPIs occur between two helices or between a surface cleft and a...
14.9K
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
8.2K
Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
8.2K
00:59Mechanisms of Membrane Domain Formation
4.2K
Different physical properties of lipids and proteins allow them to localize and form distinct islands or domains in the membrane. Some membrane domains are formed due to protein-protein interactions, whereas others are formed due to the presence of specific lipids such as sphingolipids and sterols—for example, large proteins, such as bacteriorhodopsin, aggregate and create distinct domains.
Another mechanism for membrane domain formation involves membrane proteins interacting with...
Another mechanism for membrane domain formation involves membrane proteins interacting with...
4.2K
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
3.7K
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
3.7K