MUC16 Antibodies

Structure of MUC16

MUC16 is a transmembrane glycoprotein with an extremely high molecular weight. Its core polypeptide has a molecular weight of approximately 550-600 kDa, and after highly glycosylated modification, the total protein molecular weight can exceed 2,000 kDa. This huge molecular weight difference mainly stems from the abundance of serine/threonine repeat sequences in its extracellular segment, which are the main sites for O-glycosylation and N-glycosylation.

The extracellular domain of this protein is composed of a large number of tandem "SEA" functional modules, which have self-lysis properties and form the basis for the formation of the mucus barrier and the production of soluble CA125 antigen. Its transmembrane domain anchors the protein to the cell membrane, while the shorter intracellular tail region may be involved in intracellular signal transduction. The vast glycosylated structure of MUC16 forms a physical barrier, and the CA125 fragment produced by its abnormal shedding is a key biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Fig. 1 Structure diagram of MUC16.¹

Key structural properties of MUC16:

• Large and highly glycosylated extracellular domains
• Transmembrane domains and intracellular short tails
• Characteristic SEA function module

Functions of MUC16

The core function of MUC16 protein (also known as CA125) is to form a physical barrier and mediate cellular signal transduction, and it is also directly involved in tumorigenesis and immune regulation.

Unlike myoglobin, which mainly performs a single oxygen storage/transport function, MUC16 has a highly complex function. Its huge glycosylated structure directly determines its multiple biological functions. Its dysfunction is not only closely related to the malignant progression of tumors, but also involves various pathological processes such as mucosal immune deficiency.

Applications of MUC16 and MUC16 Antibody in Literature

• Zhang, Xin-Yu, Lian-Lian Hong, and Zhi-qiang Ling. "MUC16: clinical targets with great potential." Clinical and experimental medicine 24.1 (2024): 101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-024-01365-5 

The article indicates that MUC16 is abnormally expressed in various tumors, promoting tumor progression by regulating signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, and mediating T cell and NK cell inhibition to assist tumor immune escape. Targeting MUC16 has become a new direction in clinical treatment.

• Ruyun, G. A. O., et al. "MUC16: The Novel Target for Tumor Therapy." Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 25.7 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2022.101.31 

The article indicates that MUC16 (CA125) is a key biomarker for tumors such as ovarian cancer. It activates signaling pathways by binding to multiple ligands, driving tumor proliferation, invasion and immune escape. Targeted therapy for MUC16 has made progress and has become a highly promising new direction in tumor treatment.

• Chen, Xinyi, et al. "MUC1 and MUC16: critical for immune modulation in cancer therapeutics." Frontiers in immunology 15 (2024): 1356913. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356913

The article indicates that MUC1 and MUC16 are abnormally expressed in tumor cells and drive tumor progression by regulating mechanisms such as proliferation, apoptosis resistance, and immune escape. As a key biomarker and therapeutic target, it provides a new direction for the development of targeted drugs and immunotherapies.

• Felder, Mildred, et al. "MUC16 (CA125): tumor biomarker to cancer therapy, a work in progress." Molecular cancer 13.1 (2014): 129. https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-4598-13-129 

The article indicates that MUC16 (CA125) is a key serum marker for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and its expression level is closely related to tumor progression and metastasis. At present, therapies targeting MUC16 are emerging as a new research direction in the treatment of ovarian cancer and are expected to enhance the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment.

• Saad, Hebatallah M., et al. "The potential role of MUC16 (CA125) biomarker in lung cancer: a magic biomarker but with adversity." Diagnostics 12.12 (2022): 2985. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12122985 

The article indicates that CA125 (MUC16) is an important supplementary marker of CEA in the diagnosis of lung cancer, and its elevated serum level is associated with advanced lung cancer, pleural effusion and liver metastasis. In addition to ovarian cancer, tumors such as lung cancer can also produce CA125, but its use as a screening marker remains controversial.

Creative Biolabs: MUC16 Antibodies for Research

Creative Biolabs specializes in the production of high-quality MUC16 antibodies for research and industrial applications. Our portfolio includes monoclonal antibodies tailored for ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and other diagnostic methodologies.

• Custom MUC16 Antibody Development: Tailor-made solutions to meet specific research requirements.
• Bulk Production: Large-scale antibody manufacturing for industry partners.
• Technical Support: Expert consultation for protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
• Aliquoting Services: Conveniently sized aliquots for long-term storage and consistent experimental outcomes.

For more details on our MUC16 antibodies, custom preparations, or technical support, contact us at email.