MUC20 Antibody – Rabbit Polyclonal

This gene encodes a member of the mucin protein family. Mucins are high molecular weight glycoproteins secreted by many epithelial tissues to form an insoluble mucous barrier. The shorter isoform expressed by this gene is localized to the plasma membrane, whereas the longer isoform might be secreted. The C terminus of this protein associates with the multifunctional docking site of the met proto-oncogene and suppresses activation of some downstream met signaling cascades. The protein features a tandem repeat domain that varies between 2 and 6 copies in most individuals. The allele represented in the human reference assembly contains 12 copies. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009]

Function: May regulate MET signaling cascade. Seems to decrease hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced transient MAPK activation. Blocks GRB2 recruitment to MET thus suppressing the GRB2-RAS pathway. Inhibits HGF-induced proliferation of MMP1 and MMP9 expression. Ref.7

Subunit structure: Interacts with MET; oligomerization increases affinity for MET. Ref.7

Subcellular location: Secreted

Potential. Apical cell membrane. Basolateral cell membrane. Cell projection › microvillus membrane Ref.1.

Tissue specificity: Highly expressed in kidney, moderately in placenta, lung, prostate, liver, and digestive system. In the kidney, localized in the proximal tubules but not in the glomerulus or distal tubules. Detected in most of the male urogenital tract epithelia, with the exception of epididymis. Ref.1 Ref.9

Polymorphism: The region encoding the tandem repeats is highly polymorphic. Divergence of the number of tandem repeats was seen in different cDNA libraries.

Sequence caution: The sequence AAQ88814.1 differs from that shown. Reason: Frameshift at position 638. The sequence BAA92597.1 differs from that shown. Reason: Dubious isoform. Probable cloning artifact.