The extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) is a secreted glycoprotein encoded by the *ECM1* gene, first identified in 1997. It plays a multifaceted role in tissue development, angiogenesis, and cell differentiation by interacting with components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and signaling pathways. ECM1 is expressed in various tissues, including skin, blood vessels, and bone, and exists in multiple isoforms (e.g., ECM1a, ECM1b) due to alternative splicing. Dysregulation of ECM1 has been implicated in pathological conditions such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and skin diseases.
Antibodies targeting ECM1 have emerged as critical tools in research and diagnostics. In oncology, ECM1 overexpression correlates with tumor progression and metastasis in cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer, making ECM1 antibodies valuable for detecting tumor biomarkers. In dermatology, anti-ECM1 autoantibodies are linked to lichen sclerosus and lipoid proteinosis, aiding in disease diagnosis. Additionally, ECM1 antibodies are used to study the protein's role in angiogenesis, particularly its interaction with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways. Therapeutic applications are also being explored, including blocking ECM1 to inhibit tumor growth or modulate immune responses. However, challenges remain in understanding isoform-specific functions and optimizing antibody specificity for clinical use.