Main Menu

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of a group of proteins that regulate many cellular functions, such as cell shape, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Deregulation of ECM protein production or function contributes to many pathological conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthrosclerosis, and cancer. Scientists at the NIH have developed antisera against various ECM components such as proteoglycan, sialoprotein, collagen, etc.. These antisera can be used as research tools to study the biology of extracellular matrix molecules.

This technology includes a rat monoclonal antibody termed mAb11 was generated against the human alpha-5 integrin subunit and can provide immunological characterizations without disrupting integrin adhesive function. It permits characterization of its localization even if the receptor is bound to its fibronectin ligand. The antibody is commercially available from Millipore Sigma.