The ESM1 antibody targets Endothelial cell-Specific Molecule 1 (ESM1), also known as endocan, a secreted proteoglycan predominantly expressed by vascular endothelial cells. First identified in the early 2000s, ESM1 is part of the dermatan sulfate proteoglycan family and plays a role in regulating cell adhesion, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Structurally, it contains a cysteine-rich region and a glycosaminoglycan chain, enabling interactions with growth factors (e.g., VEGF) and adhesion molecules (e.g., ICAM-1), which are critical in vascular remodeling and tumor progression.
ESM1 is upregulated in pathological conditions such as cancer, sepsis, and inflammatory diseases, making it a potential biomarker for disease severity and prognosis. In oncology, elevated ESM1 levels correlate with tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, and resistance to anti-VEGF therapies. Its overexpression in glioblastoma, lung, and renal cancers highlights its therapeutic relevance.
Antibodies against ESM1 are primarily used in research to study its biological functions, quantify expression in tissues or biofluids, and explore its role in endothelial dysfunction. Clinically, ESM1-targeting antibodies are under investigation for diagnostic applications (e.g., liquid biopsies) and as therapeutic agents to inhibit angiogenesis or modulate immune responses. Recent studies also explore their utility in combination therapies to enhance anti-tumor efficacy. Despite promising preclinical data, further validation in clinical trials is needed to establish their therapeutic potential.