Description
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (non-specific cross reacting antigen) (CEACAM6) is also known as CD66c (Cluster of Differentiation 66c), CEAL, NCA, and is one of seven human CEACAM family members within the immunoglobulin superfamily.
In humans, CEACAMs include type I transmembrane proteins (CEACAM1, CEACAM3, and CEACAM4) and GPI-linked molecules (CEACAM5 through CEACAM8).
There is no human CEACAM2.
CEACAM 6 contains one N-terminal V-type Ig-like domain (N domain), followed by two C2-type Ig-like domains.
It shows considerable glycosylation, including (sialyl) LewisX, which mediates binding to E-selectin, galectins and some bacterial fimbrae.
CEACAM-6 is expressed by granulocytes and their progenitors.
It is also expressed by epithelia of various organs and is upregulated in pancreatic and colon adenocarcinomas, as well as hyperplastic polyps.
Resistance to adhesion-related apoptosis in tumor cells is conferred in the condition of CEACAM6 overexpression