Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) also known as CD66e (Cluster of Differentiation 66e), is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene family. [3]
In the literature, CEACAM5 is often used as a synonym for cancer embryonic antigen (CEA), a well-known biomarker of many types of malignancies, such as colorectal cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. [4] [5] Its primary function in the embryonic intestine and colon tumors is adhesion between epithelial cells. [6] Also, it plays a significant role in the inhibition of differentiation [7] and apoptosis [8] in colon cells. There are evidences that high CEACAM5 expression is firmly associated with the CD133-positive colorectal cancer stem cells. [9] High CEACAM5 expression has also been identified in ~25% of patients with advanced non-squamous (NSq) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) detectable via IHC (immunohistochemistry). [10] [11]
Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum. Signs and symptoms may include blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, and fatigue. Most colorectal cancers are due to old age and lifestyle factors, with only a small number of cases due to underlying genetic disorders. Risk factors include diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Dietary factors that increase the risk include red meat, processed meat, and alcohol. Another risk factor is inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Some of the inherited genetic disorders that can cause colorectal cancer include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer; however, these represent less than 5% of cases. It typically starts as a benign tumor, often in the form of a polyp, which over time becomes cancerous.
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) describes a set of highly-related glycoproteins involved in cell adhesion. CEA is normally produced in gastrointestinal tissue during fetal development, but the production stops before birth. Consequently, CEA is usually present at very low levels in the blood of healthy adults. However, the serum levels are raised in some types of cancer, which means that it can be used as a tumor marker in clinical tests. Serum levels can also be elevated in heavy smokers.
Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1) also known as cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PECAM1 gene found on chromosome17q23.3. PECAM-1 plays a key role in removing aged neutrophils from the body.
The CD44 antigen is a cell-surface glycoprotein involved in cell–cell interactions, cell adhesion and migration. In humans, the CD44 antigen is encoded by the CD44 gene on chromosome 11. CD44 has been referred to as HCAM, Pgp-1, Hermes antigen, lymphocyte homing receptor, ECM-III, and HUTCH-1.
Intercellular adhesion molecule 2 (ICAM2), also known as CD102, is a human gene, and the protein resulting from it.
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) also known as CD66a, is a human glycoprotein, and a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene family.
Cadherin-3, also known as P-Cadherin, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CDH3 gene.
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), also known as CD326 among other names, is a transmembrane glycoprotein mediating Ca2+-independent homotypic cell–cell adhesion in epithelia. EpCAM is also involved in cell signaling, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Additionally, EpCAM has oncogenic potential via its capacity to upregulate c-myc, e-fabp, and cyclins A & E. Since EpCAM is expressed exclusively in epithelia and epithelial-derived neoplasms, EpCAM can be used as diagnostic marker for various cancers. It appears to play a role in tumorigenesis and metastasis of carcinomas, so it can also act as a potential prognostic marker and as a potential target for immunotherapeutic strategies.
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) also known as CD66c, is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene family..
Pregnancy specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1 (PSBG-1) also known as CD66f, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PSG1 gene and is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene family. Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are a complex consisting of carbohydrate and protein, which is present in the mammalian body specifically during pregnancy. This glycoprotein is the most abundant protein found in the maternal bloodstream during the later stages of pregnancy and it is of vital importance in fetal development. The PSG functions primarily as an immunomodulator to protect the growing fetus.
CD226, PTA1 or DNAM-1 is a ~65 kDa immunoglobulin-like transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on the surface of natural killer cells, NK T cell, B cells, dendritic cells, hematopoietic precursor cells, platelets, monocytes and T cells.
Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 9 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PSG9 gene.
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 3 (CEACAM3) also known as CD66d, is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene family..
Hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2 (HAVCR2), also known as T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HAVCR2 (TIM-3)gene. HAVCR2 was first described in 2002 as a cell surface molecule expressed on IFNγ producing CD4+ Th1 and CD8+ Tc1 cells. Later, the expression was detected in Th17 cells, regulatory T-cells, and innate immune cells. HAVCR2 receptor is a regulator of the immune response.
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 8 (CEACAM8) also known as CD66b, is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene family. Its main function is cell adhesion, cell migration, and pathogen binding.
Neogenin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NEO1 gene.
Tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG-72) is a glycoprotein found on the surface of many cancer cells, including ovary, breast, colon, lung, and pancreatic cancers. It is a mucin-like molecule with a molar mass of over 1000 kDa.
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 7 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEACAM7 gene.
Galectin-4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LGALS4 gene.
CEA cell adhesion molecule 18 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEACAM18 gene.
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.