Fibronectin 1 (FN1) (FN1)

Fibronectin 1 (FN1) is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that exists in two main forms: soluble plasma fibronectin and insoluble cellular fibronectin [1]. It plays a fundamental role in cell adhesion, migration, growth, and differentiation by binding to cell surface integrins and other ECM components like collagen and fibrin [1, 2]. In healthy tissues, fibronectin is essential for wound healing and embryonic development [2]. However, in pathological states such as cancer, specific oncofetal isoforms containing Extra Domain A (EDA) or Extra Domain B (EDB) are highly overexpressed in the neovasculature and stroma, making them attractive targets for site-specific drug delivery [3]. Therapeutic strategies often utilize high-affinity antibodies, such as the L19 or F16 clones, to deliver cytokines (e.g., IL-2, TNF) or radioisotopes directly to the tumor microenvironment, thereby enhancing efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects [3, 4]. Additionally, inhibiting fibronectin assembly is being explored as a treatment for fibrotic diseases and to prevent bacterial pathogens from exploiting host fibronectin for cell entry [2, 5]. Sources: [1] UniProt (P02751); [2] Pankov & Yamada (2002) PMID: 12354902; [3] Schliemann & Neri (2007) PMID: 17498893; [4] Danielli et al. (2015) PMID: 25821132; [5] Singh et al. (2010) PMID: 20036910.

Other names

FibronectinFNCold-insoluble globulinCIGLETSMSFOncofetal fibronectinAnastellin

Targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads (cytokines, radioisotopes) to the tumor microenvironment via antibody-fusion proteins; inhibition of fibronectin polymerization and fibrillogenesis.