The MACC1 (Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1) antibody is a critical tool for studying the role of the MACC1 protein in cancer biology. Discovered in 2009. MACC1 is a transcriptional regulator implicated in tumor progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, particularly in colorectal, gastric, and liver cancers. It activates the HGF/c-MET signaling pathway, promoting cell proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Overexpression of MACC1 correlates with poor prognosis, making it a potential biomarker for metastatic risk and survival prediction.
MACC1 antibodies are primarily used in research to detect and quantify protein expression in tissue samples via immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, or immunofluorescence. These antibodies help validate MACC1's clinical relevance by linking its expression levels to disease stages and patient outcomes. Commercially available antibodies target specific epitopes, often within its conserved N-terminal domain, ensuring specificity across human and murine models. Recent studies also explore MACC1's therapeutic targeting, with antibodies serving as foundational tools for functional inhibition assays or drug development.
Despite advancements, challenges remain in standardizing detection protocols and understanding isoform-specific functions. Ongoing research aims to refine antibody specificity and expand applications in liquid biopsies or companion diagnostics. As a biomarker and therapeutic target, MACC1 continues to drive interdisciplinary studies in oncology.