The phospholipid bilayer-based plasma membrane functions as a selectively permeable boundary dividing the cell's internal components from its external surroundings. Plasma membrane markers, such as lipids and membrane-associated proteins, play a crucial role in key processes like cell signaling and adhesion. Amerigo Scientific provides antibodies targeting these plasma membrane markers, offering essential resources for researching cellular homeostasis. These antibodies aid esteemed researchers in investigating plasma membrane-associated markers and are useful in biomarker assays aimed at early diagnosis.
The plasma membrane, or cell membrane, is a biological barrier that isolates and safeguards the cell's interior from the extracellular environment. Composed of a lipid bilayer, it features two layers of phospholipids with cholesterol molecules interspersed to regulate membrane fluidity across different temperatures. This essential structure is vital for preserving cell integrity and functionality. The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, exhibiting selective permeability to organic molecules and ions.
Fig.1 Diagrammatic illustration of the plasma membrane structure.Distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0, from Wiki, without modification.
The plasma membrane consists of a phospholipid bilayer, with each phospholipid molecule featuring a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail. The hydrophobic tails orient towards the interior, forming a barrier to water-soluble substances, whereas the hydrophilic heads align outward, engaging with the surrounding aqueous medium. Alongside phospholipids, the membrane incorporates various proteins, cholesterol molecules, and carbohydrates, all contributing to its structural integrity, functional roles, and diversity.
Plasma membrane markers, consisting of specific proteins or molecules, are utilized to distinguish and characterize unique cell types or subpopulations by their presence or absence on the cell surface. These markers are essential tools in cell biology and biomedical research, facilitating the study of cellular functions, heterogeneity, and disease mechanisms. By focusing on and identifying specific plasma membrane markers, researchers are able to distinguish between cell types and obtain significant insights into their characteristics and behaviors.
| Markers | Functions |
| CD44 | Participating in cell adhesion, migration, and signaling |
| Cadherin | Participating in calcium-dependent cell adhesion |
| Integrins | Involved in cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and play a role in signaling. |
| Sodium/Potassium ATPase | Preserving the electrochemical gradient and regulating cell volume. |
| Sodium Channels | Participating in the initiation and transmission of action potentials |
| G protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) | Participating in signal transduction and cellular response |
| Caveolin-1 | Caveolae formation and involvement in lipid organization, cellular signaling, and endocytosis. |
| Aquaporin-2 | Facilitating water transport across the plasma membrane, acting particularly important roles in kidney function. |
| PMA1 | Functioning as plasma membrane H\+-ATPase, crucial for sustaining intracellular pH and ion homeostasis. |
| Tight Junction Protein 3 | Serving as a component of tight junctions, contributing to cell-cell adhesion, and regulating paracellular permeability. |
| PMCA | Serving as plasma membrane calcium ATPase, regulating calcium transport out of the cell. |
| Tight Junction Protein 2 | Serving as a component of tight junctions, contributing to cell-cell adhesion, and regulating paracellular permeability. |
| Markers | Functions |
| T cells: CD3; CD4; CD8; CD28; CD45RO; | These markers play roles in antigen recognition and signal transduction, augmenting T cell activation by serving as coreceptors for MHC class I and II, costimulatory receptors, and indicators of memory T cells. |
| B cells: CD19; CD20; CD21; CD40; | B cell coreceptors and surface antigens are crucial for B cell activation, development, signaling, and differentiation, with specific receptors enhancing responses to antigens and providing essential costimulatory signals. |
| Macrophages: CD14; CD68; CD163; CD206; | Co-receptors and receptors on macrophages are pivotal in the innate immune response, mediating phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and anti-inflammatory activities. |
| Epithelial cells: CK18; CK19; E-Cadherin; EpCAM; | Cell adhesion molecules and epithelial cell adhesion molecules are essential for preserving epithelial tissue integrity, facilitating cell-cell adhesion and signaling, whereas cytokeratins function as intermediate filament proteins unique to epithelial cells. |
| Cancer cells: HER2; EGFR; CD44; | These markers are overexpressed in various specific solid tumors. |
Amerigo Scientific provides a diverse range of recombinant antibodies, encompassing multiple species, isotypes, and structural configurations. Should you not find the specific antibody you require, our tailored antibody engineering services are ready to address your needs. Explore our selection of antibodies targeting Plasma Membrane Markers, or contact us for further information or pricing. We are enthusiastic to support you.
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