Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5), Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) (CEACAM5, CEACAM6)

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) and cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) are glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface glycoproteins and members of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Both function as adhesion molecules, facilitating homophilic and heterophilic cell-cell interactions and regulating differentiation, immune responses, and resistance to anoikis (cell death induced by detachment). CEACAM5 serves as a critical FDA-approved biomarker for colorectal cancer diagnosis and prognosis, while CEACAM6 is upregulated in various cancers and correlates with more aggressive phenotypes, including increased metastatic potential and chemoresistance. Their roles in promoting tumor progression are mediated through multiple signaling pathways, including ERK/MAPK, Src/FAK, and PI3K/AKT, and their expression is regulated at both the transcriptional and post-translational levels. Therapeutic targeting with monoclonal antibodies, siRNA, and other agents is under investigation, with the potential to modulate tumor cell adhesion, apoptosis, and drug sensitivity.

Other names

CEA (commonly for CEACAM5)CD66c (for CEACAM6)NCA-90 (for CEACAM6)Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; for CEACAM5 specifically)CEACAM5 is sometimes called tumor-associated antigen CEACEACAM6 is sometimes called NCA (non-specific cross-reacting antigen)

Antibodies: Block cell adhesion, disrupt signaling, and enhance apoptosis or anoikis sensitivity. siRNA: Knockdown of CEACAM6 reverses resistance to anoikis and promotes apoptosis. Chemotherapy: CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 overexpression mediates resistance to apoptosis induced by agents like 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine; targeting these molecules enhances chemosensitivity. Oncolytic virus: CEACAM6 modulates adenovirus trafficking and antitumor efficacy via cytoskeletal interactions.