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Melanoma-associated adhesion molecule MUC18/MCAM (CD146) and transcriptional regulator mader in normal human CNS
M J Schwarz1, N Müller, D Körschenhausen
1Department of Neurochemistry, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Munich, Germany mschwarz@psy.med.uni-muenchen.de
Abstract:
The proteins MUC18 and Mader have been identified as markers of tumor progression in melanoma cells. MUC18, also known as MCAM (melanoma cell adhesion molecule) and as CD146 (endothelial antigen), is a cell adhesion molecule belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Mader is a transcriptional regulator shown to negatively regulate EGR-1. As it is known that neoplastic cells of neuroectodermal origin frequently express neuron-specific molecules, we studied whether these melanoma-associated antigens are found in normal CNS tissue. We investigated the expression of MUC18/MCAM and Mader in adult human post mortem CNS tissue by immunohistochemistry, immunoblot and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Our results show that Mader is preferentially expressed on neurons and glial cells and that the adhesion protein MUC18/MCAM is mainly expressed on vasculature within the CNS. These observations may have important implications for further studies investigating their possible roles in cell adhesion and proliferation control within the CNS.
Insights
Melanoma markers MUC18/MCAM and Mader are expressed in normal CNS tissue. Mader is found on neurons and glial cells, while MUC18/MCAM is on vasculature, suggesting roles in CNS cell adhesion and proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- MUC18 (melanoma cell adhesion molecule, MCAM, CD146) and Mader are melanoma progression markers.
- Neoplastic cells of neuroectodermal origin often express neuron-specific molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of MUC18/MCAM and Mader in normal adult human CNS tissue.
- To determine if these melanoma-associated antigens are expressed in the central nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry
- Immunoblotting
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis
Main Results:
- Mader protein is preferentially expressed on neurons and glial cells in the CNS.
- The cell adhesion molecule MUC18/MCAM is primarily expressed on CNS vasculature.
- These proteins, known melanoma markers, show distinct localization patterns in normal neural tissue.
Conclusions:
- Mader and MUC18/MCAM are present in normal CNS tissue, with specific cell type and structural localization.
- Findings suggest potential roles for Mader and MUC18/MCAM in CNS cell adhesion and proliferation control.
- Further research is warranted to explore their functions within the central nervous system.