CD68 belongs to a growing family of hematopoietic mucin-like molecules known as lysosomal/endosomal-associated membrane glycoproteins (LAMPs). Other LAMP family members included leukosialin, stem cell antigen CD34, and GlyCAM-1. CD68 encodes a 110-kD transmembrane glycoprotein with high levels of expression in human monocytes and tissue macrophages. CD68 binds lectins through a heavily glycosylated extracellular domain. It has also been found to be a member of the scavenger receptor family, whose main purpose is to clear cell debris, regulate phagocytosis, and recruit macrophages. CD68 transcripts are absent or present at very low levels in many hematopoietic lines, but can be induced by exposure to phorbol myristic acid (PMA/TPA).
Horny et al employed the CD68 antibody to distinguish between normal and neoplastic human monocytes, mast cells, and macrophages1. Their findings provide valuable diagnostic knowledge as well as confirm that mast cell origins from the bone marrow. Muthana’s group relied upon the CD68 antibody to test their novel adenoviral delivery system for human prostate cancers2. Their studies demonstrated that their cell-based system of specifically targeting oncolytic adenovirus to hypoxic tumor microenvironments significantly inhibited growth and reduced metastases. A group at the Padua University Hospital in Italy used the CD68 antibody to analyze the expression and promoter methylation status of MGMT in glioblastoma (GBM) samples3. Their data leveraged a unique set of three-layer concentric samples obtained using sophisticated image-guided surgical extraction methods. Alzheimer disease (AD) research from The Torrey Pines Institute focused on the effects of RanBP9 on spinophilin expression and subsequent amyloid beta formation4. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence experiments with CD68 antibody, these researchers confirmed that RanBP9 plays a crucial role in loss of proper neuronal architecture in AD. Interesting tissue engineering studies with CD68 antibody establish a cardiac tissue-based scaffold as a spatially controlled system that harbors cardiomyocytes and stroma in discrete yet functional compartments, allowing for vascularization and integration in an inflammation-minimized environment5.
Novus Biologicals offers CD68 reagents for your research needs including:
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