Description: The monoclonal antibody DECMA-1 recognizes mouse, human and canine CD324 also known as E-cadherin (Epithelial cadherin) or uvomorulin. Like the other cadherin family members P and N cadherin, E-cadherin is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in intercellular adhesion. These proteins share a common basic structure. The extracellular portions of the proteins are largely composed of repeating domains, each with two consensus Ca2+-binding motifs. The cytoplasmic domain interacts with a-, b-, and g-catenins and actinins. These catenins connect E-cadherin with the cytoskeleton.
Expression is found in most epidermal cells including melanocytes and kerotinocytes. E-cadherin is localized at the intercellular boundaries of epithelial cells in several tissues, and is thought to play a role in maintenance of tissue integrity. Loss of E-cadherin function has been implicated in the progression of a variety of cancers.
E-Cadherin protein is sensitive to trypsin treatment, so exposure to trypsin should be minimized or avoided.
The monoclonal antibody DECMA-1 has been shown to have functional activity by disrupting adhesion in human, mouse and dog cells.