Embigin (EMB)

Embigin is a transmembrane glycoprotein receptor belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, functioning as a cell adhesion molecule (CAM) that directly binds fibronectin and regulates extracellular matrix architecture. It acts as an ancillary protein for monocarboxylate transporters, facilitating their proper localization and activity, and is involved in stem cell niche regulation, cell differentiation, migration, and tissue development. Embigin is expressed in epithelial, neuromuscular, thymic, and cardiac tissues, and its dysregulation is linked to tumorigenesis, especially in breast and pancreatic cancers, suggesting potential roles as both a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target. Its pleiotropic functions include cell adhesion, metabolic regulation, and modulation of tissue architecture, but no approved drugs currently target this molecule[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

EMBGP70embigin homologMGC71745

If targeted: likely mechanisms would include modulation of cell adhesion, disruption of interaction with fibronectin, influencing monocarboxylate transporter localization/metabolic flux, and affecting cancer cell migration and proliferation.